Beloved kids’ book character gets major TV makeover ahead of Christmas special with Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker

CHILDREN’S book character Tabby McTat has been transformed into an animated character for a BBC One special later this year. 

The musical cat, who will be at the centre of the Christmastime adventure has undergone a TV makeover ahead of the festive programme. 

Grey cat Tabby has had a makeover for the new TV show - a cartooned version of Axel Scheffler's original artwork.

Tabby McTat will tell the story of Julia Donaldson's children's’ book, that sees friendly feline Tabby and busker Fred strike up an unlikely friendship. 

The BBC One film will be narrated by former Doctor Who star Jodie, who was inspired to take part, thanks to her own childhood cat, Wicket W Warrick.

Jodie said: “We had cats when we were growing up.

"My cat gave birth under my bed, and it was magical. But then as a child you realise your parents don't let you keep them all.

"'What? I thought we were going to have five kittens forever,’ but I was lucky, and I did get to keep one of them. Its name was phenomenal - Wicket W. Warrick - named after an Ewok, and it had an older brother called Teebo, another Ewok!

"My cat was beautiful, very beautiful with long brown hair and looked like an Ewok and with a personality very similar to mine - needy and a bit feral!”

She added of the show's storyline: "Tabby McTat is such a beautiful story about embracing change and the transitions in life as well - from childhood to adulthood and people going on journeys."

While Julia Donaldson said: "The story is very special to me because as well as having been a busker myself, I'm also a great cat lover."

Tabby McTat will air on BBC One this Christmas