'SWEET DREAMS'
Tom Hardy will melt fans’ hearts as he dedicates new CBeebies Bedtime Story to dead dog Woody – and it’s on this Saturday
TOM Hardy will return to CBeebies this weekend for his most emotional Bedtime Story yet, in honour of his beloved dog Woody, who died in June.
The Hollywood superstar was devastated when his beautiful six-year-old rescue dog passed away three months ago after a short battle with aggressive polymyositis, a condition causing chronic inflammation of the muscles.
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Earlier this year, the Peaky Blinders star was joined by Woody to film his final CBeebies Bedtime Story which is, appropriately, in honour of National Dog Day.
The 39-year-old will read the story Fleabag by Helen Stephens, about a scruffy dog that desperately wants a forever home, and a little boy who just wants a dog.
A preview released this week shows Tom stroking a sleeping Woody while reading the children's tale.
He says: "It's time for you to go on an adventure of your own in your dreams. So cuddle up to your snuggly friend and drift off to sleep."
CBeebies captioned the trailer: "It's National Dog Day this weekend! So join Tom Hardy and Woody for one last adventure together."
Tom's Bedtime Story airs Saturday at 6.50pm on CBeebies.
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He found Woody in Georgia, Atlanta while filming the movie Lawless.
Woody was a stray puppy at the time, just 11 weeks old, and had run across the road in the dark, forcing Tom to stop his vehicle and get out to search for him.
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Woody was a familiar face to Tom's fans, accompanying the actor to movie sets, red carpets and even being named the #73 most influential animal in the world by TIME magazine.
"He was an angel. And he was my best friend. We went through so much together," wrote Tom.
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"He didn’t have a bad bone in his body. All he knew was love.
"He was only age 6. He was far too young to leave us and we at home are devastated by his loss.
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"I am ultimately grateful for his loyal companionship and love and it is of some great comfort that he is no longer suffering.
"Above all I am completely gutted."
Tom added: "The world for me was a better place with him in it and by my side.
"To the bestest friend ever to me and to a family who loved him beyond words and whom he loved without doubt more than I have ever known.
"Woody was the bestest of journey companions we ever could dream of having.
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"Our souls intertwined forever. Thank you Woody for choosing to find us.
"We will love you and be with you and you with us forever. Never ever ever forgotten."
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Tom has previously read four CBeebies Bedtime Stories: Odd Dog Out, There's A Bear On My Chair, Cloudspotter and You Must Bring A Hat.
Saturday night's show will mark his fifth and final appearance.
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