When the programme Something Special was being developed about 20 years ago, I was asked to present the first four episodes. The programme uses Makaton, a signing system that was created over 40 years ago. I learned about 300 signs initially. Now, in preparation for each series, I learn a new set of words. It’s wonderful to be able to sign with so many families during the filming of each show. Makaton is an incredibly important communication tool that helps so many people. As well as filming in the studio we travel all over the UK and get to meet so many new friends. The Tumble Family seems to grow each year as well, with new characters providing an opportunity to develop new storylines for the Tumble segments in the show.

I would love to have gone to the Oscars but due to the travel restrictions in place at the time, it wasn’t possible. However, I was thrilled to hear that the film had been nominated.I love wildlife. I remember filming with giraffes once and thought they were the most graceful animals with beautiful markings and incredible eyes. Did you go to the Oscars for Farmageddon? Would you have liked to? Would you like to do more adult acting? bumble1 One of my favourite composers is Erich Korngold, who was an Austrian composer, and I particularly like his scores to Errol Flynn films such as The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Sea Hawk. John Williams is another favourite of mine; in some of his scores I think you can hear influences from the work of Korngold. I learned a lot about the history of film while working at the Museum of the Moving Image on the South Bank and attended many silent movie seasons there, as well as the Guardian interviews with various film directors across many genres of production. I think that is why I have a keen interest in all aspects of production, in television and on stage. I like to know how each department works, which I think is a good thing for an actor to have an understanding of. Your comic timing with Robert the Robot [on CBeebies show Justin’s House] always reminds me of Laurel and Hardy – who inspires your characters? lime7

Do you find it impossible to go anywhere in public without having to “Tumble up” as it were for any kids who spot you or do grateful parents follow you around with heartfelt thanks for entertaining their little ones ? Thanks for all your thoughtful, funny output. mattpointblank Snowmen are great fun to build. We built a Lord Tumble Snowman once. He had a top hat, scarf and a spotty cravat.

You may also like…

I started performing again last summer, which was quite an emotional experience. One of my first performances was at Camp Bestival, at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. It was my 14th year there and the atmosphere was incredible. To be performing on the main stage after such a long time was awesome. I am currently performing in pantomime at the Hexagon theatre in Reading after a one-year absence and I’m thoroughly enjoying working on a theatre stage again.