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Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson bring Christmas fun to BBC One

The Scarecrows' Wedding "follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O'Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O'Hay (Domhnall Gleeson), who are preparing for their big day" Image: BBC/Magic Light Pictures
The Scarecrows' Wedding "follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O'Barley (Jessie Buckley) and Harry O'Hay (Domhnall Gleeson), who are preparing for their big day" Image: BBC/Magic Light Pictures

Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson play the lead roles in the BBC's Christmas animated adventure The Scarecrows' Wedding.

Adapted from the picture book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, The Scarecrows' Wedding "follows two devoted scarecrows, Betty O'Barley (Buckley) and Harry O'Hay (Gleeson), who are preparing for their big day when trouble arrives in the form of smooth-talking Reginald Rake (Rob Brydon)".

"I love this story," Buckley told the BBC.

"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.

Jessie Buckley attends the Wicked Little Letters - Scandaleusement Votre Paris Premiere at Drugstore Publicis Cinema on 14 February, 2024 in Paris
Jessie Buckley - "I love this story"

"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."

"Harry is such a warm-hearted character, loyal, loving, and determined to make the wedding perfect for Betty," said Gleeson.

"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.

Domhnall Gleeson speaks onstage during SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations - The Paper Screening and Conversation at SAG-AFTRA Foundation Robin Williams Center on 2 September, 2025 in New York City
Domhnall Gleeson - "It's a thrill to be part of something made especially for kids at Christmas"

"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."

The Scarecrows' Wedding is narrated by Sophie Okonedo, directed by Samantha Cutler and Jeroen Jaspaert, and written by Steven Bloomer. Triggerfish Animation Studios, which is based in Cape Town, Manchester, and Galway, has provided assets and animation support for the half-hour special, which is made by the UK's Magic Light Pictures with animation services by Red Star.

A broadcast date is yet to be announced.

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