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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Rachel McGrath

BBC announces new children's programmes including dance lessons with Oti Mabuse

The BBC has announced a slate of TV and radio commissions for children during the lockdown, including a dance class with Oti Mabuse.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 29, will front the new CBeebies show Boogie Beebies.

The South African dancer and choreographer has been leading free dance lessons on her social media during the pandemic, with the help of her husband Marius Lepure.

The BBC Children’s commissions will tackle changing routines, home-schooling, “staycation activities” and personal health, across CBeebies, CBeebies Radio, CBBC and iPlayer.

Mimi Missfit’s Life On Lockdown on iPlayer will see the “warm and bubbly big sis” offer viewers a “breather from scary headlines and anxiety-inducing Covid-19 statistics”.

Also among the commissions are Do Try This At Home with Operation Ouch’s Dr Chris and Dr Xand, and My Celebrity Supply Teacher.

Mr Tumble’s Justin Fletcher, Nikki Lilly, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Mr Maker, Steve Backshall, The Baby Club team and Andy Day will also feature.

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “The BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain has never been more relevant than it is now.

“BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times – we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.”

Additional reporting by Press Association

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