The Tiger Who Came to Tea: Benedict Cumberbatch to star in Channel 4 adaptation

Judith Kerr, the author of the seminal children’s story, died in May

Benedict Cumberbatch and David Oyelowo are to lend their voices to an animated adaptation of Judith Kerr’s seminal children’s book The Tiger Who Came to Tea, to be broadcast this Christmas.

Channel 4 have confirmed the pair will be joined by stars including Tamsin Grieg, David Walliams and Paul Whitehouse in the 30-minute special, which will be produced by the same team behind recent festive hits including We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and The Snowman and the Snowdog.

Kerr’s story, originally published in 1968, explores what happens when a little girl named Sophie encounters an anthropomorphised tiger who interrupts her afternoon tea. Seven year-old actress Clara Ross will voice Sophie.

In a statement, Oyelowo said that he was excited to voice the tiger of the title. “Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to play the iconic Tiger from The Tiger Who Came to Tea? He’s a big cat of few words because he’s too busy eating! But I relished all of the growling, chomping and slurping, which called on me to find my inner cat.”

The film’s Christmas debut on Channel 4 will partly commemorate the life and work of Kerr, who died in May at the age of 95.