Children’s author Holly Rivers, who played Drusilla Paddock in the 1990s CITV adaptation of Jill Murphy’s beloved The Worst Witch books, is writing and hosting this new fortnightly podcast. It takes an irreverent and nostalgic look back at the cult TV children’s series, inviting fellow cast members and guests into the studio to reminisce about all things Cackle’s Academy.

Listeners can expect interviews, behind-the-scenes scoops, rewatches of favourite episodes, quizzes, as well as plenty of mischievous child-actor anecdotes (of which there are many!)

“The show has such a devoted fandom, and it was such a huge part of so many people’s childhoods,” says Holly. “Mildred, Maud, Miss Cackle and Miss Hardbroom are some of the most loved characters in kids telly, and the CITV adaptation seems to have a special place in viewer’s hearts.”

On writing the podcast Holly says “having been friends for nearly 30 years, I thought that it was time for us Cackles alumni to publicly reunite and exchange stories about our time playing teen  witches! We’re going to have lots of fun going down memory lane and sharing what was a really magical time in our young lives.”

In Episode 1 Holly was joined in the studio by GEORGINA SHERRINGTON who played Mildred Hubble. Episode 2 will feature KATY ALLEN who took on the role of Ethel Hallow. Cast members including Oscar-nominee FELICITY JONES and theatre veteran KATE DUCHENE have been booked for September episodes.

The podcast’s target audience is nostalgic British millennials who grew up watching analogue after-school television. However, there is also a vibrant Gen Z and Gen Alpha fan base, including those in Europe, Canada and the Americas, who have discovered the CITV show in recent years.

• Episode 1 received 800 downloads within the first 7 days of going live.
• The podcast’s first Tik-Tok post has over 80,000 views.
• It is available to listen to on Substack, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Pocket Casts.
• Recorded at The Podcast Room.
• The show’s Substack page has already ranked at #1 rising in the platform’s TV and Film category.
• View the trailer for Episode 1 here

Podcast artwork, videos and images available upon request