Strictly star Carlos Gu to read on CBeebies bedtime story for Lunar New Year special
The 31-year-old dancer will read from ‘I Love Chinese New Year, written by Eva Wong Nava
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu will appear on CBeebies Bedtime Stories to read a book for families across the UK in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
The 31-year-old dancer will read from “I Love Chinese New Year”, written by Eva Wong Nava and illustrated by Li Xin, which introduces children to the celebration and traditions often practised by families at this time.
Gu said he is thrilled to be on the “iconic CBeebies Bedtime Story chair this Lunar New Year, sharing the magic of storytelling with families.”
He added: “I hope this lovely story about the wonderful traditions and values of Chinese culture brings joy and warmth to all those who tune in.”
The book follows Mai-Anne in a story about how Chinese New Year began as she learns about 12 animals and their special powers.
Her family starts decorating the house when her grandmother Nai Nai arrives and they begin festivities with a traditional meal comprised of fish for good luck, noodles for a long life, dumplings for blessings and a whole cooked chicken.
The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday in China and each year is named after one of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, with this year being the year of the dragon.
Individuals born in this year, according to the Chinese zodiac, are believed to possess certain characteristics and traits associated with the dragon - such as ambition, confidence and charisma.
Chinese national champion Gu first joined Strictly in 2022 and was partnered with Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon on the latest series of the BBC One dancing show.
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Other celebrities to have read stories on CBeebies Bedtime Stories include Tom Hardy, Dolly Parton, Harry Styles, Kate Winslet and the Princess of Wales.
The children’s TV programme is on each weekday at 6.50pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer and Gu’s story will air on Friday 9 February.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments