CBeebies Manchester: Cast revealed for new sitcom ‘Rafi the Wishing Wizard’

Home-grown family favourites are bringing their magic to Rafi the Wishing Wizard, a brand-new animated sitcom from BBC Studios Kids & Family, launching on CBeebies in early 2026 with a stellar cast of voices actors.

Rafi, voiced by nine-year-old Mollie Hutton and her magical misadventures bring chaos, comedy and charm to everyday life. With the help of her two dads – Jake voiced by Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson and Dash voiced by Muzz Khan (Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl) – her best friends Ruby voiced by 11 year-old Darcy Shaw, Finn voiced by 10 year-old Jake Ademola, and her pet cat Deborah, Rafi begins to discover that the real magic isn’t in her wand, but in the people around her.

The voice cast also features Mina Anwar (The Thin Blue Line) as rebellious Aunty Tanuja, and Coronation Street favourites Julie Hesmondhalgh and Jennie McAlpine, reunited as family friends Doris and Amy. Oliver Wellington (Inspector Lynley) plays Park Keeper Al, Melissa Lowe (Reckless) voices Nia, and 11-year-old Karis Musongole (Wicked) stars as Khia.

Guest stars across the series include Sue Perkins and Natalie Cassidy.

Set in Manchester, the series follows seven-year-old Rafi Martin, a determined young wizard with a wand of her own and one wish a day to use. The only catch? Her wishes always run out… usually at the most unexpected moment!

Created by Executive Producer Tom Cousins and directed by Sean McCormack, Rafi the Wishing Wizard is a warm and funny celebration of family, friendship and the unpredictable power of a well-timed wish.

The series was commissioned by BBC Children’s and Education for CBeebies, following its discovery through the Ignite animation initiative, a programme designed to spotlight homegrown creative talent.

Tom Cousins, Creator and Executive Producer, said: “I can’t wait for audiences to meet Rafi and her family and see the stories we’ve been crafting for the past few years come to life on screen. Rafi is full of heart, humour and plenty of unexpected, slightly chaotic wishes, proudly set in a magical vision of Manchester!”

Beth Gardiner, Commissioning Editor for CBeebies said: “The series embodies our mission to create inspiring, entertaining and purposeful programming that reflects the lives of families.

“Animation has a unique power to connect with audiences of all ages and our commitment to supporting homegrown creativity goes from strength to strength. We can’t wait for the CBeebies audience to meet Rafi.”