Dr Ranj films Get Well Soon coronavirus special as BBC announce new children's programmes

Dr Ranj has filmed a special edition of his Cbeebies show Get Well Soon to help explain the ongoing lockdown to children.

The programme by the former Kent resident, now available on BBC iPlayer, is part of an influx of new children's television shows which have been announced for the coming weeks and months.

BBC Children's has confirmed some 'fast-turnaround commissions' in response to children now spending the majority of their time indoors and will reflect themes that have fast become central to family life because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Changes to routine, home schooling, separation from wider family and friendship groups as well as looking at health, new things to learn and staycations will be among the subjects covered.

One of the first to be broadcast is the new Get Well Soon special in which Dr Ranj catches up with youngster Jobi in a video call, who has some questions about why he can’t see his friends and grandparents or go outside the house to play as normal.

It's not the first time the doctor, who grew up in Medway, has stepped in to help youngsters understand the pandemic.

A YouTube video he filmed back in March explaining the initial coronavirus outbreak emerging in Europe went viral as parents tried to get their children to appreciate the benefits of regular handwashing.

Whilst Dr Ranj's programme will explain the current situation to young children it will be down to an upcoming special Operation Ouch Virus Alert to untangle the Covid-19 virus for older kids.

It's twin doctors Dr Chris and Dr Xand will look at where the virus came from, how to best try and limit spread and the Formula 1 technology that's helping people breathe.

Other new commissions coming to CBeebies, CBBC and BBC iPlayer include Do Try This at Home also with Dr Chris and Dr Xand, My Celebrity Supply Teacher featuring some of the UK’s famous faces delivering an inspiring lesson from the comfort of their own home and Boogie Beebies with Strictly star Oti Mabuse.

There will also be Storytime with Mr Tumble, 12 programmes called How To Be Epic At Home which will look at activities that can be learnt indoors such as yo yo tricks, street dance moves and some amazing experiments and popular You Tuber Mimi Missfit will front a new series called Life on Lockdown which follows the online personality and her sister at home.

Cheryl Taylor, Head of Content for BBC Children’s, said: “The BBC’s mission to inform, educate and entertain has never been more relevant than it is now. BBC Children’s is here to support parents and reflect the lives of children all around the country in these difficult times - we will ensure that despite the huge changes to their lives we are always here to give them a voice.”

Also returning to TV screens from next week is children's hit football drama Jamie Johnson.

Whilst live football is on hold Jamie and his friends are back to fill the void with a fifth series of the popular programme and this year it's crunch time for the Phoenix under 16s team.

The first programme begins on Thursday, May 7 at 5pm and will run for 13 episodes. You can also watch Dr Ranj's coronavirus Get Well Soon special here.

The BBC has also announced 14 weeks of Bitesize learning to help parents manage the pressures of home school. Learn more about that here.

For more family-related news and events visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk