Meera Syal to Read on CBeebies

Comedian, actress, and writer Meera Syal is set to read a special bedtime story on CBeebies to honor South Asian Heritage Month. The Wolverhampton-born star will present "Amma's Sari" by Sandhya Parappukaran, a tale that explores themes of family connection and cultural celebration. The reading is scheduled for 18:50 BST on Friday, highlighting the experiences of six-year-old Shreya, a second-generation migrant navigating her life both at home and in the wider world. Syal's participation adds to a roster of notable celebrities who have lent their voices to CBeebies bedtime stories, including Tom Hardy, Jack Black, and Billie Eilish. The 63-year-old actress has been recognized for her contributions to drama and literature, having been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2015 New Year Honours. South Asian Heritage Month, which runs from July 18 to August 17, aims to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures that connect the UK with South Asia. This initiative seeks to promote understanding and appreciation of South Asian heritage within the broader British context. For those interested in exploring more stories, a digital library featuring over 300 archived episodes of CBeebies bedtime stories is available on the BBC iPlayer CBeebies channel, providing a wealth of content for young audiences.