If you haven’t come across Mr Tumble, it’s likely because you haven’t spent time around young children in the past two decades. The character has become a beloved figure in UK children’s entertainment, with a rich collection of sketches, songs, and live stage performances.
Mr Tumble, whose real name is Justin Fletcher, is a vibrant clown who frequently appears on CBeebies daytime shows. He is adored by children for his wide range of characters and slapstick comedy. At 55 years old, Fletcher has built a career that has not only earned him an estimated net worth of over £1.5 million but also attracted unexpected celebrity fans such as Simon Pegg and Bryan Adams.
So, how did he achieve such a unique and profitable level of fame?
Fletcher was born into a family deeply involved in the entertainment industry in Reading in 1970. His father, Guy Fletcher, was a renowned songwriter who wrote hits for artists like Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, and Ray Charles. He even composed Cliff Richard’s 1973 Eurovision entry.
“I grew up in a creative environment and had the chance to meet some fascinating people,” Fletcher mentioned in a previous interview with The Guardian. However, unlike his father, Fletcher found his calling in front of the camera rather than behind the scenes. He thrived in the spotlight, often with red paint on his nose.
The star recalls that he first realized his passion for children’s entertainment during his first year at the Guildford School of Acting in Surrey. Creating characters became his true love, and now millions of children across the country recognize him in various roles such as Mr Tumble, Grandad Tumble, Lord Tumble, Fisherman Tumble, Baker Tumble, and Aunt Polly.
Fletcher has humorously noted that he is often called both Justin and Mr Tumble when recognized in public, and he answers to both. Many of his characters feature gentle clowning and slapstick gags that have made him a household name, while also putting pressure on parents to purchase tickets for pantos, CBeebies live tours, and a significant number of DVD sales.
In short, his financial success is no laughing matter.
Sales of his Something Special DVDs alone are believed to have exceeded 100,000 copies, generating an estimated £1 million for the star. The accompanying magazine reportedly brings in another £180,000 each month. This means that when Fletcher is not in costume, he resides in a picturesque six-bedroom, £2.5 million country mansion in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire.
Despite his impressive work ethic, Fletcher has admitted to being a “workaholic,” which may explain why he has struggled to find love—until recently. He was famously single until now, but he is currently reported to be dating his on-screen co-star, Samantha Dorrance, who is 21 years younger than him. Dorrance plays his silly best friend Tootsie in The Tale of Mr Tumble, and the pair are said to be in a relationship, even traveling together on his Justin Live: Justin Time to Rock! Tour.
While he began his career voicing characters on shows like the Tweenies and presenting on Tikkabilla, most of his fame stems from his work on Something Special. The series brought young children into Mr Tumble’s world, along with a cast of SEND (special educational needs) children. It was the brainchild of BBC producer and former teacher Allan Johnston.
Mr Tumble’s red-nose, cheerful songs, and trademark spotty flags were designed with children who have delayed learning and communication skills in mind, incorporating Makaton sign language into the show. Despite this focus, the character gained widespread appeal among toddlers. As a result, Mr Tumble became a pioneer in promoting inclusivity in children’s entertainment.
Fletcher has received the highest accolades in children’s television, including three children’s BAFTAs. He was also awarded an MBE for services to children’s broadcasting in 2008.
