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'If you're a Mancunian, you'll love new CBeebies cartoon'

News imageBBC Studios Animation screengrab of a full moon in the night sky above the Beetham Tower and surrounding skyscrapers and cranes in Manchester city centre. Pink flumes are seen between the buildings as the characters take a magical ride on a bed.BBC Studios
Manchester's skyscrapers form a magical setting for a ride in Rafi the Wishing Wizard

The makers of a new CBeebies cartoon about a young wizard say they made a "deliberate choice" to set the comedy in Manchester.

Rafi the Wishing Wizard recently debuted with its story about a seven-year-old girl who can make one wish a day. But mayhem ensues after those wishes are used up when she least expects it.

Mancunian landmarks such as Beetham Tower and the Aquatics Centre appear along with the yellow trams in the 26-episode run.

The animation's executive producer Tom Cousins said: "It's a city that's close to my heart but it also makes the world feel specific and familiar to UK audiences."

News imageBBC Studios Rafi, who has short dark hair and wears a stripey blue jumper, riding a small green dinosaur and waves her wand, which has a star on top. They're in front of a skeleton of a large dinoasur as an exhibit with a grandstaircase splitting in two behind.BBC Studios
Manchester Museum also provides inspiration for a storyline involving Rafi and dinosaurs

Former Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson, who plays Jake - one of Rafi's two dads – said: "I could relate to Jake straight away because as a Manchester dad trying to raise kids, I felt I was living in that world already."

Burnley-born actor Muzz Khan, who also voiced regional newsreader Anton Deck in the latest Wallace and Gromit film, said he was "instantly drawn" to the CBeebies cartoon.

He added "it would be a chance for me to get some nice northern representation in there, which I'm a huge advocate for - being from Lancashire".

The cartoon shows Rafi and her friends get into scrapes as they deal with unexpected consequences alongside unicorns and dinosaurs.

Cousins said: "In many magic sitcoms, the protagonists have to keep their powers a secret, but in Rafi, the family's magical abilities are proudly out in the open.

"The wider community love the fact that they have a family of wishing wizards living in their neighbourhood – who wouldn't?"

News imageBBC Studios A yellow tram glides past a building and trees in the cartoonBBC Studios
The yellow trams also glide through scenes in the series

The show will be sold to international broadcasters, showcasing Manchester to global audiences.

Richardson said: "If you're a Mancunian, you'll love it.

"Internationally, everybody knows Manchester is a famous city so I think hopefully people will recognise iconic landmarks."

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