The Scarecrows’ Wedding | Preview (BBC One)

The Scarecrows’ Wedding is an enchanting new story, adapted from the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, about two devoted scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, who are planning a wedding to remember.

When Harry insists on leaving the farm to collect one last thing for their big day, a smooth-talking scarecrow named Reginald Rake swoops in with plans of his own. Chaos ensues, and soon Betty’s in danger and everything’s at risk. Can Harry get back in time and save the day?

Full of heart, humour and adventure, this is the joyful tale about loyalty, love and learning that the most important thing isn’t a grand gesture – it’s simply being together.

Adapted for BBC iPlayer and BBC One from the beloved picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Scarecrows’ Wedding marks Magic Light’s 13th animated special of their work.

Academy Award nominee Sophie Okonedo (Slow Horses, Hotel Rwanda) narrates the half-hour special, joined by a stellar voice cast including Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters, Wild Rose) as Betty O’Barley, Domhnall Gleeson (About Time, Alice and Jack) as Harry O’Hay, and Rob Brydon (Gavin and Stacey, The Trip) returning for his thirteenth Donaldson and Scheffler adaptation as the rotter, Reginald Rake.

Rob Brydon, voicing Reginald Rake, says: "I’ve been lucky enough to appear in every Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler adaptation so far, and Reginald Rake has to be one of the most enjoyable characters yet. He’s vain, charming, and utterly unreliable - a proper cad! Playing him has been enormous fun."

Domhnall Gleeson, voicing Harry O’Hay, says:“Harry is such a warm-hearted character, loyal, loving, and determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty. I loved bringing him to life, especially when his devotion is tested and he has to prove he’s the real hero of the story. I also loved the process of developing Harry, and I’m so happy to be working with this team and voice cast. It’s a thrill to be part of something made especially for kids at Christmas.”

Sophie Okonedo, narrator, says:"What I love about The Scarecrows’ Wedding is that it feels timeless, it’s a story about love, loyalty, and finding out what really matters. Narrating it has been a joy, and I can’t wait for families to enjoy it together this Christmas."

Jessie Buckley, playing Betty O’Barley says: "I love this story. The film has so many beautiful little moments but I love the scene where the first glimmers of love get expressed between Harry and Betty – the anxiety and the tentativeness around that. They’re both edging closer and closer to being in the relationship, realising that they want to be together… we’ve all been there. It’s all about young love, and recognising what’s important to you in life. "

The Scarecrows' Wedding airs Christmas Day at 3:10pm on BBC One.