Claire Foy joins CBeebies Bedtime Stories
Claire Foy has become the latest big-name celebrity to join CBeebies Bedtime Stories.
Claire Foy is set to appear on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.
The 42-year-old actress has joined the much-loved children's programme as part of the BBC's Once Upon a Time initiative — a year-long celebration of storytelling inspired by the British Library's Fairy Tales exhibition — and Claire has now revealed why she believes introducing children to stories as early as possible is so important.
The film star told the BBC: "I think it is really important to introduce storytelling, whether that's in books or audiobooks, to children as early as humanly possible. I think it creates a world of curiosity and imagination that is really important to encourage."
The Crown actress - who also stars in the new adaptation of classic children's tale The Magic Faraway Tree - will read Stop! That's Not My Story! by Smriti Halls for the programme, which airs on CBeebies.
Claire believes that books and stories play a vital role in a child's development.
The movie star said: "Books and stories offer you the opportunity as a child to imagine yourself somewhere other than where you are. Whatever your upbringing or wherever you are, it is really important to have a different perspective and see the world in a different way.
"Books and storytelling allow children to do that. Then hopefully they will grow up to be very curious and interested adults."
Meanwhile, BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said the Once Upon a Time initiative reflects the corporation's commitment to the importance of reading at a time when reading rates are in decline.
The BBC boss said: "Once Upon a Time is a wonderful celebration of everything the BBC stands for: imagination, connection and storytelling for everyone. We're bringing audiences a rich mix of programmes and events that highlight the joy and importance of reading at a time when it matters more than ever."
