Tyler West to Read Special CBeebies Bedtime Story for BBC Children in Need 2026 tonight

Radio and television presenter Tyler West is set to deliver a special CBeebies Bedtime Story for BBC Children in Need tonight, sharing a heartwarming message about friendship, companionship and making sure every child has someone by their side.

The special episode will air on Friday 13 November at 6.50pm on CBeebies, with viewers also able to watch it on BBC iPlayer from the same day.

West will read Side by Side, a children’s book written by Rachel Bright and illustrated by Debi Gliori. The rhyming story follows Little Mouseling as she searches for a best friend who will stay by her side, exploring themes of friendship, support and the importance of being there for one another.

The choice of story reflects BBC Children in Need’s ambition to ensure every child has someone alongside them when they need support most.

The special recording took place at Seashell Trust, where West was joined by an audience of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who attend the organisation’s CAD sports club. The club receives part-funding from BBC Children in Need.

Seashell Trust provides every child with at least one-to-one support, and often additional assistance, making it a particularly fitting location for a story centred on companionship and understanding.

Tyler West opens up about the importance of having someone by your side

Speaking about the special Bedtime Story, West reflected on how important friendship and encouragement can be during childhood, drawing on his own experiences growing up alongside his older brother.

Tyler West said: “Whether you’re shy or outgoing or the most confident in the room, everything is better with someone by your side. So in the quiet times, in the happy times, in the times that you laugh as well, it makes it all the more special when you’ve got someone to do it with.

“When I was a child, I had my big brother Lewis by my side. He was my voice, he was the person to bring the best out of me, and he was the confident character to say ‘hey, why don’t you give this a go?’ I think every child deserves to have someone by their side.”

His appearance forms part of the wider BBC Children in Need 2026 celebrations, with the annual fundraising event returning on Friday 13 November.

The special Bedtime Story aims to highlight the difference that having a trusted person, friend or supportive adult can make to a child’s confidence, happiness and wellbeing.

When to watch Tyler West’s CBeebies Bedtime Story

The special episode of CBeebies Bedtime Stories featuring Tyler West will be broadcast on Friday 13 November at 6.50pm on CBeebies.

It will also be available to stream on BBC iPlayer on the same day.

Viewers can find the programme through the CBeebies Bedtime Stories collection on BBC iPlayer.

Meanwhile, BBC Children in Need 2026 will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Friday 13 November, bringing audiences together to support children and young people across the UK.

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