By Lucy Caulkett-
Rhinos don’t cry being read by Danny Dyer,(pictured) will be a hit with children this christmas. The East London actor best known for his long-running role in the BBC soap EastEnders, is taking his distinctive voice from Albert Square to the world of children’s television.
In a departure from the grittier dramas that made him a household name, Dyer has joined the line-up of celebrities reading on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, using his platform to deliver an emotional message about feelings and resilience to young viewers.
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This latest involvement shows another side of the actor’s public persona, as he embraces a project aimed at helping families and children explore emotions in an open and reassuring way. His passionate voice is considered engaging to young children, especially as children are increasingly encouraged to read.
Dyer’s reputation was forged over nearly a decade playing Mick Carter, the affable and tough landlord of the Queen Victoria pub in EastEnders. He first appeared in the role in 2013, quickly becoming one of the show’s most recognisable faces through more than 1,000 episodes.
That tenure on the popular soap cemented his place in British pop culture, earning him both critical and audience acclaim. Beyond the Square, his career has spanned film roles in Mean Machineand The Football Factory, television projects such as Mr Bigstuff and Rivals, and numerous other media appearances.
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Dyer has also won awards for his screen work, including recognition at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, illustrating his versatility and impact across genres.
Dyer has featured in several notable advertising campaigns and promotions, most prominently for Paddy Power, Deliveroo, Sky Broadband, and as a brand ambassador for Grant’s Whisky.
In the 2025 campaign, Dyer acts as the “king” or guide of a star-studded, dreamlike casino world, which is eventually revealed to be an online gaming app he is using in his bathtub. The ad also features celebrity cameos from Peter Crouch, Gemma Collins, and Coleen Roone.
Dyer also appeared in Paddy Power’s Euro 2024 campaign, poking fun at England’s performance and the nation’s often self-deprecating humour about the team’s prospects.
The star also participated in the 2024 Christmas advert featured Dyer as a football fan, portraying a dad who buys his son a shirt for a fictional team, “Hardlypool United,” charting a lifetime of football support with its inherent highs and lows. Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn also made an appearance.
In December 2025, the 48-year-old was invited to read Rhinos Don’t Cry, a book by Mark Grist with illustrations from Chris Jevons, on CBeebies Bedtime Stories. The book follows a young rhino named Milo who learns it’s okay to express big emotions and cry, a theme that resonated with Dyer.
Dyer will read Rhino’s Don’t Cry on CBeebies Bedtime Stories
His reading encourages children to talk about feelings openly, breaking down barriers that can make emotional expression feel difficult for young audiences. By telling children that “everybody cries,” including grown-ups, he delivered a message of empathy and emotional literacy that parents and caregivers welcomed.
CBeebies Bedtime Stories has built a reputation for featuring high-profile readers from across the entertainment world. Previous guests have included award-winning actors Olivia Colman and Idris Elba, music stars Billie Eilish and Harry Styles, sporting icons like Sir Lewis Hamilton, and global musicians such as Sir Elton John and Kylie Minogue.
The series has also prided itself on inclusive storytelling, with past episodes incorporating British Sign Language, audio described versions, and even readings using braille or eye-controlled computers for accessibility.
From Soap Stardom to Children’s Screens
Danny Dyer’s transition into the CBeebies project may seem surprising to some, given his tough-talking image from years in dramatic television, but there is a through-line in his career that makes this move feel fitting.
Throughout his diverse roles, Dyer has often brought authenticity and emotional depth to his characters, whether navigating intense storylines in EastEnders or tackling complex roles in other dramas. His work reading on CBeebies underscores a willingness to connect with audiences of all ages, not just adult viewers of mainstream drama.
This is not Dyer’s first foray into projects outside traditional dramatic roles. Alongside acting, he has ventured into podcasts, co-hosting with his daughter Dani, demonstrating his interest in engaging audiences beyond scripted television.
He has taken part in charitable initiatives and media campaigns, broadening his reach and influence. These endeavours hint at an entertainer who values connection, conversation, and positive social engagement.
Actors who have participated in CBeebies Bedtime Stories often speak about the joy of taking part in a programme that becomes part of family routines across the UK. The readings are broadcast in the early evening and are available on BBC iPlayer, making them accessible to parents and children alike.
Featuring well-known public figures serves multiple purposes, like attracts attention to the series, elevates children’s literature, and provides young viewers with opportunities to hear diverse voices sharing meaningful stories.
Dyer’s contribution is notable, partly because his typical screen persona contrasts sharply with the nurturing tone of the Bedtime Story slot, adding surprise and appeal for families tuning in.
His reading of Rhinos Don’t Cry emphasises emotional wellbeing a topic that has gained increased prominence in children’s media. Resources aimed at helping children understand and articulate their feelings are valued by parents, educators and psychologists alike.
Dyer’s take on the story encouraging youngsters to embrace their emotions rather than suppress them aligns with broader cultural efforts to destigmatise discussions of mental health from an early age.
This project also illustrates how celebrity involvement in children’s programmes can transcend simple entertainment. When familiar figures share stories that foster understanding and compassion, it reflects a growing trend in family programming to address real-world emotional experiences in age-appropriate ways.
Dyer’s message to young listeners that tears are not a sign of weakness but a natural part of life reinforces lessons in emotional intelligence that experts say are crucial for healthy development.
Critics and fans alike have commented on how Dyer’s career has evolved since his departure from EastEnders in 2022. No longer tied to a single long-running role, he has explored a range of film, television, and media opportunities that showcase his range as a performer.
It includes dramatic roles in streaming series to lighter, more reflective engagements like CBeebies, his choices suggest an artist unafraid to challenge expectations and engage with audiences beyond his traditional demographic. Reactions to his CBeebies appearance have been mixed in some quarters, with social media discussions reflecting surprise that a figure associated with adult drama would appear on a children’s programme.
Yet, many parents have praised the choice, noting that seeing a recognisable face offer a heartfelt message can be comforting for children who might feel overwhelmed by emotions.
Drawing on his East End roots and working-class persona, Dyer brings a down-to-earth quality to the story that some argue makes the themes even more relatable to families across the UK.
There are no outward signs that Dyer will continue to feature on CBeebies or take a different approach to children’s media in the future. However, this one reading is probably going to strike a chord with a lot of families, and it might provide opportunities for other artists to contribute to initiatives that promote the emotional health of young listeners.
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