The Scarecrows’ Wedding: Why author Julia Donaldson threatened to pull TV adaptation of classic children’s story

The Scarecrows’ Wedding: Why author Julia Donaldson threatened to pull TV adaptation of classic children’s story | UK News

Julia Donaldson’s loveable characters have been a staple of Christmas Day TV for more than a decade, but a lot of the drama around this year’s story happened off screen after its creator threatened to pull the plug.

It’s 16 years since the BBC aired the first of her and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s children’s stories – an animated retelling of The Gruffalo.

Since then, viewers have been treated to everything from Tiddler to Stick Man and Superworm, and this year it’s The Scarecrows’ Wedding.

The story follows scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, voiced by Jessie Buckley and Domhnall Gleeson, who are planning to marry, despite Reginald Rake, a villainous rival scarecrow voiced by Rob Brydon, trying to ruin their big day.

But readers familiar with the story will notice a key plot change.

Donaldson was asked to rework a dramatic fire that’s started by a cigar in her book in order for the project to get the green light.

She says she balked at the idea of changing what she’d written when producers first suggested it.

She explains: “The film company said ‘you’re not allowed to show anyone, even a baddie, smoking,’ even though the book says ‘smoking is bad for you, Betty exclaimed’… initially I said ‘well, I’m sorry, just don’t do it then, I don’t mind, I’m not going to change it.’

“But I think I’m the sort of person, when someone puts an idea in my head, I thought ‘well I’ll just see if it could be done’.

“I came up with the idea of toasting these marshmallows, which I think is something children will love… and I think it works really well, so I’m happy with the change and I made the change myself.”

In a statement, media regulator Ofcom said it always considers “context and freedom of expression” but that “while there is no outright prohibition, under our broadcasting rules… smoking… must not be featured in programmes made primarily for children unless there is strong editorial justification.”

So does Donaldson think we are at risk of being too sheltering towards children?

“Don’t get me started on that – I totally agree,” she says.

“You get told that you can’t have any stories anymore about children doing things unchaperoned by an adult, as if people can’t distinguish between real life and fiction.

“I hope this is just a phase and that people are going to be a bit more permissive as far as children’s stories go.”

Plot rewrite – see what got the chop

Julia Donaldson was asked to rewrite part of her book for the animated version – changing the plot from the villain smoking a cigar to toasting marshmallows.

Compare the original text:

And he took out a big fat cigar from a packet.

The farmer had foolishly left in his jacket.

“But smoking is bad for you!” Betty exclaimed.

“Really you ought to be feeling ashamed.”

And here’s the amended script:

He delved in his pocket and pulled out a packet.

“As pink as your dress, and as white as my jacket.

The finest marshmallows! And make no mistake,

No one can toast them like Reginald Rake.”

Fortunately for Donaldson, The Scarecrows’ Wedding is one of her favourites.

“I like this one because it’s so summery,” she says. “It might sound strange that that’s the Christmas offering, but I think people at Christmas like to be reminded that summer might come back again!”

And 2026 looks to be a busy one for the writer and illustrator, with the return of the Gruffalo in a new tale.

“We both said for years and years there wouldn’t be a sequel and then Julia suddenly came out with a wonderful story,” Scheffler explains.

Set to be one of the biggest literary releases of 2026, currently details are scant.

Scheffler says things may become a little clearer for readers in February when the book’s name will finally be revealed.

For now, he can only tease: “I can’t say anything about the content but it’s a great text and it will come out next September.”

The Scarecrows’ Wedding airs on BBC One at 3.10pm.

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