For millions of young children and their parents, the red-and-white striped shirt and cheerful face of Mr Tumble are synonymous with gentle, inclusive entertainment on CBeebies. The character, a slapstick clown who communicates using Makaton sign language, has been a fixture of British children’s television for over two decades. But behind the colourful costume and the signature bag lies a real person, a dedicated performer, and a show with a profound educational mission.
This guide answers the most common questions about Mr Tumble, from the identity of the actor who plays him to where families can watch his shows in 2025. It also addresses persistent rumours, explores the educational value of the programme, and provides a clear overview of the character’s world.
Who Is Mr Tumble? The Real Person Behind the Character
Mr Tumble is a fictional character, a lovable and accident-prone clown who appears on the CBeebies programme Something Special. He is played by the English actor, comedian, and presenter Justin Fletcher. Fletcher is a qualified clown who specialises in slapstick comedy, and he has been the face of Mr Tumble since the show first aired in 2003.
Key Insights About Mr Tumble
- Mr Tumble is a beloved CBeebies character played by Justin Fletcher, known for using Makaton signing.
- The character does not have a girlfriend; this is a common misconception stemming from the actor’s personal life.
- Content is widely available on BBC iPlayer, YouTube (official Mr Tumble and Friends channel), and CBeebies website.
- Mr Tumble products (toys, books, bag) are sold on Amazon and other retailers; the ‘Mr Tumble bag’ is a specific toy phone/play accessory.
- In 2025, new episodes continue to air; the channel is actively updated with nursery rhymes and educational clips.
Snapshot Facts: Justin Fletcher and Mr Tumble
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Real name of actor | Justin Fletcher |
| Date of birth | 15 June 1970 |
| Character debut | 2003 (Something Special) |
| Language used | Makaton sign language |
| Networks | CBeebies, BBC iPlayer, YouTube |
| Marital status (actor) | Unmarried (no spouse/girlfriend confirmed) |
Where to Watch Mr Tumble: CBeebies, iPlayer, and YouTube
Mr Tumble is widely available across several BBC platforms. The primary home of the character is the CBeebies channel, which broadcasts Something Special regularly. For on-demand viewing, full episodes are available on BBC iPlayer, which also hosts episodes of Justin’s House.
The official Mr Tumble and Friends YouTube channel, managed by BBC Studios, offers a library of clips, songs, and full-length episodes. This channel is updated regularly with new content, including nursery rhymes and educational segments. Additionally, Mr Tumble appears in new CBeebies Bedtime Stories, such as the reading of Wow! Said The Owl, which are available on iPlayer.
Where to Watch Something Special & Mr Tumble
| Platform | Availability |
|---|---|
| BBC iPlayer | Full episodes of Something Special and Justin’s House |
| CBeebies | Broadcasts on BBC’s children’s channel |
| YouTube | “Mr Tumble and Friends” official channel (BBC Studios) |
| BBC iPlayer Bedtime Stories | New CBeebies Bedtime Story by Mr Tumble (e.g., Wow! Said The Owl) |
| Live Shows | CBeebies Live: Justin and Friends (theme: “Mr Tumble’s Circus”) touring UK |
Does Mr Tumble Have a Girlfriend? Exploring Character Relationships
This is one of the most persistent questions about the character. There is no evidence to suggest that Mr Tumble has a girlfriend, either within the show or in any official material. The character is a children’s persona focused on slapstick comedy and educational interaction, and no romantic relationships are depicted in Something Special.
The rumour likely stems from confusion with the actor, Justin Fletcher, who keeps his personal life private. He has not publicly disclosed any relationship status, and no official confirmation of a girlfriend or spouse exists. The character and the actor are distinct entities, and the question of a girlfriend applies to neither in any confirmed way.
The persistent query about Mr Tumble’s girlfriend is a common misconception. No official BBC source or credible biography mentions a romantic partner for either the character or the actor. The question likely arises from fan curiosity about Justin Fletcher’s private life, which he has chosen not to discuss publicly.
What Is the Mr Tumble Bag and Other Products?
The Mr Tumble bag is an iconic prop within the show. It is a colourful, oversized bag that the character carries during his slapstick routines, often used to store and retrieve various toys and props. The bag itself has become a recognisable symbol of the character.
A range of Mr Tumble merchandise is available for purchase. This includes toys, books, and clothing. The “Mr Tumble bag” is often sold as a toy phone or play accessory. These products can be found on major online retailers such as Amazon and other toy stores. The official CBeebies website also provides links to licensed merchandise.
How Mr Tumble Helps Children Learn: Makaton and Something Special
Something Special is an award-winning educational programme designed to support children with communication difficulties. The show uses Makaton, a simplified communication system that combines signs and symbols from British Sign Language (BSL). Unlike BSL, Makaton is not a full language with its own grammar; it is a tool designed to aid early communication and language development.
Mr Tumble uses Makaton signs throughout the programme, encouraging children to join in. The show’s format is built around repetition and visual cues, making it accessible for children with learning disabilities, speech delays, or autism. The BBC CBeebies page describes the show as a way to “help your child to communicate using signs and symbols.”
Parents and educators can use Mr Tumble episodes as a starting point for learning Makaton signs. The official Makaton website offers downloadable resources that complement the signs used in the show. Watching together and repeating the signs can be a fun, low-pressure way to support a child’s communication skills.
Mr Tumble in 2025: New Episodes and What’s Coming
Something Special remains an ongoing series, having aired continuously since 2003. In 2025, the show continues to be broadcast on CBeebies and is available on BBC iPlayer. Mr Tumble also appears in new CBeebies Bedtime Stories, reading books with Makaton signs.
Justin Fletcher has also been involved in other projects. In 2024, he voiced Antonio in the animated film Twelfth Night!. He is also set to provide voices for the 2026 film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom. While no new series titled “Mr Tumble and Friends” has been announced, the character remains active through live tours, such as CBeebies Live: Justin and Friends, which toured the UK with a “Mr Tumble’s Circus” theme.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1970 – Justin Fletcher born.
- 2003 – Something Special premieres on CBeebies featuring Mr Tumble.
- 2010s – Mr Tumble becomes a staple character; toys and merchandise launched.
- 2020 – Official Mr Tumble and Friends YouTube channel launched.
- 2025 – New episodes and content continue; character remains active.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Mr Tumble
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Mr Tumble is played by Justin Fletcher. | Whether Mr Tumble has a girlfriend – no evidence exists; rumor likely from confusion with actor’s private life. |
| The character’s real name is Mr Tumble; the actor is Justin Fletcher. | Justin Fletcher’s relationship status – he has not publicly discussed relationships. |
| CBeebies continues to broadcast and upload new content regularly in 2025. | Specific details about future merchandise lines or live events beyond 2025. |
The Context of Mr Tumble’s Popularity
Mr Tumble is part of the educational show Something Special, designed to help children with communication difficulties using Makaton. The character’s popularity crosses generations and remains a key part of CBeebies programming. The persistent ‘girlfriend’ query likely stems from fans’ curiosity about the actor, not the character.
The SERP shows a strong BBC and Wikipedia presence but lacks a consolidated, user-friendly resource that answers common questions in one place. There is opportunity to position a question-driven guide that serves parents, educators, and curious fans.
Notable Quotes and Sources
“Join in with Something Special and help your child to communicate using signs and symbols.”
– BBC CBeebies page
“Justin is best known for playing the loveable Mr Tumble.”
– Wikipedia – Justin Fletcher
Summary: What to Know About Mr Tumble in 2025
Mr Tumble remains a central figure in children’s educational television, played by Justin Fletcher and broadcast on CBeebies. The character is widely available on BBC iPlayer and YouTube, and new content continues to be released in 2025. The persistent rumour about a girlfriend is unfounded, and the show’s primary purpose is to teach Makaton to support children with communication needs. For a deeper look at the actor behind the character, see the Justin Fletcher biography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mr Tumble’s sign for ‘hello’?
Mr Tumble uses the Makaton sign for ‘hello’, which involves waving a hand near the head. This sign is often demonstrated at the start of episodes.
How old is Mr Tumble? (character age)
Mr Tumble does not have a specified age. He is a timeless, childlike character designed to appeal to preschool children.
Is Mr Tumble on Netflix?
No, Mr Tumble is not available on Netflix. The show is exclusive to BBC platforms, including CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.
Why does Mr Tumble use Makaton?
Mr Tumble uses Makaton to support children with communication difficulties. The signs and symbols help children who are non-verbal or have speech delays to express themselves.
Who is Mr Tumble’s best friend?
Mr Tumble interacts with various characters and puppets on the show, but he does not have a single designated “best friend.” His interactions are often with the presenter or with toys.
Can I download Mr Tumble episodes?
Episodes can be downloaded for offline viewing through the BBC iPlayer app, provided you have a valid TV licence and an account.
What does the Mr Tumble bag do?
The Mr Tumble bag is a prop used in slapstick routines. It is often used to store and retrieve toys, and it has become a popular toy itself.
Does Justin Fletcher have children?
Justin Fletcher has not publicly confirmed whether he has children. He keeps his personal life private.
How much are Mr Tumble toys?
Prices vary by product and retailer. Basic toys like the Mr Tumble bag can be found for around £10-£20, while larger sets may cost more.
Are Mr Tumble and Justin Fletcher the same person?
No. Mr Tumble is a fictional character played by the actor Justin Fletcher. They are not the same person, though Fletcher is closely associated with the role.
Oliver Arthur Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for StoryShift.uk, covering UK news, culture, politics and technology. He works under Editor-in-Chief Maarika Tamm and UK Managing Editor Oliver Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.