Jamillah and Aladdin to return to CBeebies

Magical drama, Jamillah and Aladdin, returns to television screens this August on CBeebies for a second series.

“I’m over the moon that the CBeebies audience gets to experience more of the trio’s friendship and adventures! The reception from the first series has been exceptional, so much so, that I’m getting stopped by children on the streets asking for a photo with Genie! It’s a wonderful show to be a part of and I can’t wait for everyone to see series two!” – Leroy Osei-Bonsu, who plays the Genie in Jamillah and Aladdin

The new run of episodes will be, the BBC say, packed full of laughter and adventure. This modern retelling of the Middle Eastern Aladdin tale, is a fusion of magic, comedy and adventure and will transport viewers of all ages, to the ancient world of Baghdad, full of intrigue and mysterious encounters.

Jamillah, a feisty young girl seeking adventure, lives with her family in modern day London where she discovers a dusty old lamp in the attic and makes a wish. A Genie appears and, with the help of his magic, the two travel back in time to Ancient Baghdad, where Jamillah meets Aladdin, a boy the same age as her, who always seems to be getting himself into trouble.

Aladdin shares Jamillah’s courage and quest for adventure, and together they explore the streets of Baghdad. They meet the Sultan, his daughter the Princess and a rich array of Baghdad inhabitants from the simple goat herd to Samir the Snake Charmer. Occasionally, Jamillah and Aladdin meet a baddie along the way and have to get themselves out of sticky situations by using logic, quick wittedness, and, the magical powers of their friend Genie!

The second outing for Jamillah and Aladdin sees the friendship between the three protagonists blossom, with more exciting adventures in store! In the opening episode of the second series, the grieving Sultan decides to ban fun, and so Jamillah, with the help of her comrade Aladdin, tries to bring happiness and harmony back to Baghdad by the seemingly simple act of making the Sultan smile. But as the pair find, this is not an easy challenge!

“The reception for series 1 of Jamillah and Aladdin was exceptional and we were thrilled that the underlying themes of encouraging diversity and harmony within society were commented on by the press. It’s great to have such a brilliantly talented cast on board again for series 2 and the continuation of Jamillah as a courageous, funny and kind heroine for young girls to look up to.” – Anne Brogan, Executive Producer for Kindle Entertainment,

Jamillah is played by Blossom Campbell, Aladdin by Wilson Radjou-Pujalte and the Genie by Leroy Osei-Bonsu. The series was filmed on location in South Africa and consists of twenty-six, 15 minute episodes, which will broadcast on CBeebies from August 2016.