Paddy and Christine McGuinness to guest star in ‘Daisy & Ollie’ for World Autism Awareness Day
Skwigly
Paddy and Christine McGuinness have joined the voice cast of Jason Manford’s hit pre-school animation, Daisy & Ollie for a special one-off episode which airs on Channel 5’s Milkshake to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday 2nd April.
Created in collaboration with the National Autistic Society (NAS) and airing on World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April, the new episode ‘How Do I Make Friends With Theo?’ features Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness as Uncle Tommy and NAS ambassador and TV Star Christine McGuinness as Theo’s Mummy. The couple are parents to three autistic children in real life.
Paddy and Christine’s cartoon characters Uncle Tommy & Theo’s Mummy
In the episode, Daisy’s Uncle Tommy brings his son Theo to the aquarium for a fun day out with Daisy, Ollie and Daisy’s Daddy (Jason Manford). Theo is reluctant to make friends with Ollie immediately, but the family soon help him understand that Theo is autistic, meaning he sees and understands the world a little differently. Together they all enjoy learning about the aquarium species and celebrate why being different makes them all very special.
It was amazing for Paddy and I to be asked by Jason Manford to be part of this very special autism themed episode of Daisy & Ollie and introducing the new character, Theo.
As parents to three autistic children, we know how important it is for other children and families to understand autism, so voicing Theo’s parents in the show was a wonderful opportunity for us to share this important message. We will continue to spread awareness and help change society for our own little superstars and autistic people and their families.
From voice recording to being part of the character design, the whole process has been a brilliant experience and I can’t wait to watch it with the whole family on World Autism Awareness Day.
-Christine McGuinness, TV star and National Autistic Society Ambassador
We are so excited for this special episode of Daisy & Ollie, airing on World Autism Awareness Day – it’s an amazing opportunity for younger children to learn more about autism.
It has been fantastic to work with Jason Manford and the team at Daisy & Ollie, helping to develop the script and to ensure the character of Theo is as authentic as possible. Channel 5’s hugely popular Milkshake! programming block is an ideal platform, and Theo’s story will get young children and their parents talking about autism at home.
-Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society
We are absolutely thrilled to have Paddy and Christine McGuinness guest starring in this very special episode produced in partnership with the National Autistic Society, which helps to explain autism, celebrate difference and promote understanding to a younger audience.
-Helen Brown, Company Director of Hoopla Animation & Executive Producer on Daisy & Ollie
Based on an original idea by Helen Brown and created by Manchester based Hoopla Animation, the 2D animated series the new series of Daisy & Ollie will air from 30th March on Channel 5’s Milkshake! covering a whole host of different topics such as ‘What’s a Litterbug?’, ‘How Do Bats See In The Dark?’, ‘How Do You Make Magic?’, ‘What’s The Point In Playing Games If You Don’t Win?’ and ‘What Makes The Perfect Play Date?’.
The pre-school series also features music and songs from Daisy’s Daddy, voiced by Masked Singer winner Jason Manford. Daisy’s Daddy is a musician, and plays an active role in introducing the children to a whole host of new experiences, such as how to build the perfect sandcastle, practice fire safety in the home, run a fun run, and create their very own band, making the new series educational, fun and engaging for all the family.
I am absolutely over the moon that Daisy & Ollie is coming to Milkshake! with a brand-new series. The show is such a pleasure to work on, especially as a parent myself, we all have brilliant fun figuring out the answers to life’s biggest questions and the new set of episodes are bound to keep the whole family entertained.
-Jason Manford, Exec Producer of Daisy & Ollie
Catch all new Daisy & Ollie episodes on Channel 5’s Milkshake! and on My5 catch up service from Monday 30th March, with How Do I Make Friends With Theo airing on World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday 2nd April.