Rachel Zegler is reading a CBeebies Bedtime Story with an empowering message for children

Stars of the big and small screens Rachel Zegler (Snow White, West Side Story) and Charithra Chandran (Bridgerton, Nikhil & Jay) have been revealed as the latest readers of CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

Rachel Zegler takes viewers on a journey to a magical, fairytale castle when she reads ‘Never Mess with a Pirate Princess’ by Holly Ryan with illustrations by Siân Roberts.

On Friday 28 March, she tells the story of Princess Prue whose teddy bear is stolen by pirates. They quickly learn not to mess with the feisty heroine.

At the end of the story, Rachel tells young viewers: “We can all be powerful princesses. You don’t need a king or a queen as parents, or a beautiful white horse, or even a fancy castle to live in. To be a powerful princess you just need to be wonderful, brilliant you!”

In a special story for Mother’s Day on Sunday 30 March, Charithra Chandran reads a comforting story which tells children that parental support will be there for as long as it is needed.

Charithra also plays Amma in CBeebies’ animation Nikhil & Jay and is mum to the two young brothers in the show that follows their lives being raised in dual heritage British Asian family.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies says: “As mums are celebrated across the UK this special story is perfect for littles ones to snuggle down and enjoy with their grown-ups.”

Charithra reads ‘You're Strong with Me’ by Chitra Soundar about a mother giraffe and her young calf who explore the African savannah. The world is overwhelming for the baby Giraffe, but Mama Giraffe is always there to remind her that 'You're strong - with me’.

Saying goodnight to young viewers, Charithra ends her CBeebies Bedtime Story by saying: “Is there someone in your family who makes you feel strong? Maybe it’s your Mum, or Amma. Make sure you tell them how much you love them this Mother’s Day.

“One day you’ll grow taller, wiser, and stronger, but the most important thing right now is a good night’s sleep.”

CBeebies Bedtime Story is on weekdays at 6.50pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. A special Mother’s Day episode of Nikhil & Jay airs at 10.15am on Sunday 30 March, CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

• Watch CBeebies Bedtime Stories on BBC iPlayer

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