Did You Know... The Surprising Local Voice behind Find the Flock’s Famous Face

29th July 2025

It’s no secret that Reading has its fair share of famous faces, especially from film and TV. From Kate Winslet to Ricky Gervais and George Clooney, you never quite know who you might be walking in the footsteps of when you’re in and around Reading. So it should come as no surprise that one of the UK’s most beloved children’s entertainers, Justin Fletcher, calls the area of Berkshire home too. And right now, there’s a baa-rilliant reason to celebrate him: Shaun the Sheep has arrived in Reading!

The Find the Flock trail has taken over the town, with twelve colourful Shaun the Sheep sculptures dotted across Reading’s streets, gardens and landmarks. Designed by artists and bursting with creativity, these woolly wonders are perfect for families, art fans and Aardman enthusiasts alike. But there’s more to this feel-good trail than meets the eye, because Shaun himself has a very local voice. 

Justin Fletcher, also known to millions of children as Mr Tumble, is the man behind Shaun’s iconic bleats and baa’s. He’s voiced the character since the very beginning, and he’s done it all while living just outside Reading. 

Born in Berkshire, Justin went to Theale Green School in Reading before training in performing arts and launching a career that would make him one of the UK’s most cherished children’s entertainers. Millions know his joyful characters from CBeebies, but local audiences have had the extra delight of seeing him perform live for years at the Hexagon Theatre, where his legendary pantomime roles have become a family tradition. 

And if all that wasn’t enough, Justin’s incredible work in children’s entertainment earned him an honorary degree from the University of Reading back in 2012, a proud moment for both him and the town he’s supported and entertained for decades.

From Hollywood icons to children’s TV royalty, Reading really does have a surprising star quality. There are loads of great things to do here this summer, but the Find the Flock trail stands out for more than just the fun - it's our way of celebrating Shaun's local roots.

Grab a map, round up your group and get spotting - because thanks to Justin Fletcher, Shaun the Sheep isn’t just visiting Reading. He’s (basically) one of ours.