Mothers turn on for a bedtime story told by actor McAvoy
A BBC show for toddlers has proved a hit with parents, thanks to the guest presenting skills of Scots Hollywood actor James McAvoy.
The actor took a turn on the small screen, guest presenting five episodes of the CBeebies programme Bedtime Stories last year.
While young viewers were no doubt enthralled by McAvoy’s bedtime storytelling skills, it seems many mothers switched on too.
Some besotted female fans have even changed their mobile ringtones to McAvoy’s sign off: “Night, night.”
Episodes of the programme featuring McAvoy have been posted to YouTube, complete with comments from some mothers that are distinctly post-watershed.
The series was streamed more than 3.6 million times on the BBC iPlayer last year although the corporation is being coy about the McAvoy effect.
The three-minute-programmes show the 36-year-old actor, wearing a snug, roundnecked jumper and tight jeans, relaxing on a sofa in a dimly lit living room, in front of a glowing fire.
McAvoy often clutches a fluffy teddy bear as he dramatically narrates stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Superworm and The Dinosaur that Pooped a Planet.
One of the episodes posted to YouTube, No Matter What, has had 56,000 views.
One fan, Kate Roy, posted: “James’ lips are the eighth wonder of the world. They’re so soft and full and red and kissable and tender. Sigh.”
Katy Senior, posted: “OMG. James McAvoy reading bedtime stories on Cbeebies. I’m in heaven.”
Maria Arhavli, who describes herself on her Twitter page as a mother from North East England, posted a photo showing her TV with one of McAvoy’s clips playing.
She wrote: “CBeebies Bedtime Stories just got a whole lot better.”
Other comments include “far too sexy for kids”, “This is oddly sexual” and “OK, I’m ovulating”.
Previous celebrity readers of Bedtime Stories have included Simon Pegg, David Hasselhoff, Kimberley Walsh and Lulu.
A spokesman for McAvoy said he was not available for comment due to filming commitments.
A CBeebies spokeswoman had good news for mums – and even a few children.
She said: “Everyone will be happy to hear James will be back on screen with The Dinosaur Who Pooped.
“We are delighted that viewers of all ages enjoy our CBeebies Bedtime stories.”