Former rugby star Rob Burrow to read CBeebies Bedtime Story using computer to speak-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Rob’s computer has a Yorkshire accent (Picture: PA)

Former Rugby League player Rob Burrow will be the first non-verbal star to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story.

The 40-year-old, who was a scrum-half for Leeds Rhino and Great Britain, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2019 and uses special technology to communicate.

MND is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves and early symptoms can include slurred speech and weight loss, according to the NHS.

The former athlete will read Tom Percival’s Tilda Tries Again to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday using the special eye-controlled gear, which is able to recreate a version of Burrow’s Yorkshire accent.

The inspirational tale is about a girl who suddenly finds her world changed and things that were once easy more challenging and tells how she finds a new way to approach her problem and believe in herself.

Rob said: ‘I used to love reading to my own children as part of their bedtime routine. I was so excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story.

Rob will read Tilda Tries Again (Picture: PA)

‘Reading and literacy are so important. It doesn’t matter what your disability is, reading is accessible to everyone.

‘Anyone can enjoy reading and develop a love of books and bedtime stories, just like me and my family.’

Rob was accompanied into the CBeebies studio by his wife Lindsey and two of the pair’s children, Maya, seven, and Jackson, three.

Rob played for Great Britain and Leeds (Picture: PA)

The youngsters directed their father from the TV gallery, helped count down and shouted ‘action’ when the cameras started rolling.

Rob will follow in the footsteps of England and Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who appeared on the popular show in October to read a story about overcoming fear and finding one’s inner lion through self-belief.

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Singer Harry Styles, Captain America star Chris Evans, Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and British actor Tom Hiddleston have also appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories.

Tilda Tries Again will be read by Burrow on CBeebies Bedtime Story at 6.50pm on Saturday December 3.Show less

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