Year 8 pupil Daya S A is set to feature at the heart of a major festive broadcast after securing a leading voice role in a new animated special for BBC Children in Need.
Daya is the voice of Jai, the central child character in Pudsey and the Thread of Hope, a 25-minute animated film due to air on Christmas Eve on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with further screenings on CBeebies later in the Christmas period.
The animation, based on an original story by author and musician Tom Fletcher, marks the first time Pudsey Bear has starred in his own animated television special.
Daya attended the official London premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square, hosted by BBC Children in Need, alongside Fletcher and fellow voice-cast members Nikesh Patel and Shini Muthukrishnan.
It was the first time Daya had seen the completed animation. He said it was “really special” and explained that the story resonated strongly with him, adding that he believes viewers will be deeply moved by its message.
Daya, who is represented by Articulate Drama School & Casting Agency in Bradford, added: “Even though I’ve done some voiceover work before, this project felt completely different. I knew it was an animation for a really special cause, and it made me feel really proud to have been a part of it.”
The story follows Jai, a young boy navigating grief following the death of his father. Through a magical journey alongside Pudsey Bear and other children connected by a symbolic ‘golden thread’, the film explores themes of kindness, connection, resilience and hope. Designed to support children and families in talking about difficult emotions, the animation forms part of BBC Children in Need’s wider mission to champion mental wellbeing and emotional support for young people across the UK.
Daya’s success comes alongside another notable screen achievement within the family. His older sister, Isha K A, in Year 10 at BGS, stars as Zara, a member of the fictional ‘Vipers’ basketball team in the CBBC teen drama High Hoops. Series 2, which was filmed over the summer, is due to air in early 2026, and Isha recently attended the BAFTA screening in London — the first public showing of episodes from the forthcoming series.
“Even though I’ve done some voiceover work before, this project felt completely different. I knew it was an animation for a really special cause, and it made me feel really proud to have been a part of it.”