Charlie Hedges Launches CBeebies Parenting Helpline Series 3 | New Episodes, Experts & Celebrity Parenting Dilemmas
Parenting rarely comes with a handbook — but for thousands of families across the UK and beyond, the CBeebies Parenting Helpline podcast has become the next best thing. Now, the beloved series returns with fresh energy, heartfelt conversations, and a brand-new host at the helm.
For Series Three, BBC Radio 1 presenter Charlie Hedges steps in to guide listeners through some of today’s most emotional, relatable, and complex parenting challenges. With eight new episodes, an expanded range of experts, and even a brand-new celebrity feature, the season promises to be its most impactful yet.
A New Voice for a New Season: Charlie Hedges Joins the Helpline
When it comes to parenting support, authenticity matters. That’s precisely what Charlie Hedges brings as she temporarily replaces Holly Hagan-Blyth, who has stepped back to spend time with her family.
Charlie’s warm, candid approach shines throughout the season. Known for her energetic, compassionate style on BBC Radio 1, she brings a natural ability to connect with both experts and everyday parents. Her personal insights — particularly as a mum navigating her own challenges — make the episodes feel safe, honest, and deeply human.
“I’m incredibly proud of this new series,” Charlie shares. “Every episode is filled with the questions parents actually ask behind closed doors — honest, vulnerable, and real.”
What Makes Series Three Stand Out?
This season of the CBeebies Parenting Helpline leans into the emotional truths of modern family life. Across its eight episodes, the podcast dives into topics that parents often hesitate to say out loud.
Topics explored include:
Rebuilding physical and emotional confidence after a tough C-section
Navigating the shift in identity after becoming a parent
Rekindling intimacy and connection with a partner
Addressing troubling influences on toddlers and young children
Practical strategies for toddler behaviour and home activities
Managing mental health pressures
Understanding developmental milestones
Supporting parents who feel alone, overwhelmed, or unsure
Each episode blends listener questions, expert guidance, real family stories, and conversations that remind parents they are never alone in their struggles.
A Lineup of Expert Voices: Guidance Parents Can Trust
This season gathers some of the UK’s most respected parenting specialists. Their combined expertise ensures parents receive grounded, compassionate, evidence-led advice.
Featured experts include:
1. Dr Martha — Clinical Psychologist
A well-known voice in child mental health, Dr Martha brings clarity to emotional development, behaviour, attachment, and trauma. She unpacks complicated issues in language anyone can understand.
2. Sophie David — Founder of Little Happy Learners
Focused on early years development, sensory play, and educational activities, Sophie provides simple, practical solutions parents can implement at home.
3. Kate Moyle — Psychosexual Therapist
Kate addresses one of the least-discussed areas of parenting: how relationships and intimacy change after having children. Her approach is gentle, inclusive, and reassuring.
4. Philippa Perry — Psychotherapist & Parenting Author
A fan favourite, Philippa Perry brings her signature mix of humour, empathy, and no-nonsense wisdom. She helps families reframe difficult situations through connection and communication.
Their contributions help parents feel validated, informed, and empowered to navigate their own family dynamics.
Listener Questions Take Centre Stage
At the heart of the podcast are the parents who write in — sharing raw, personal, and often emotional concerns. These real-life questions shape every episode.
Themes raised by listeners this season include:
Postnatal identity loss “I don’t feel like myself after giving birth — how do I reconnect with who I was?”
Post-C-section trauma and body image “My confidence hasn’t returned — how can I feel strong again?”
Relationship struggles after children “We barely talk anymore — how do we find our way back?”
Worrying influences on children “How do I protect my toddler from aggressive behaviour they’re picking up at nursery?”
Multigenerational parenting worries “As a grandparent, when should I step in — and when should I step back?”
These are questions parents often wrestle with in silence. By addressing them openly, the podcast creates space for families to heal, grow, and feel understood.
One of the Most Emotional Episodes: Charlie Talks with Her Dad
In one standout episode, Charlie brings her father into the studio for a deeply personal conversation about their own family history. Together, they reflect on:
how Charlie’s parents shaped her approach to raising her daughter
the challenges they overcame together
the ways parenting has evolved across generations
With additional input from psychotherapist Philippa Perry, the episode turns into a touching exploration of family, connection, and the complicated bonds between parents and adult children.
One memorable listener question comes from a grandfather struggling to understand his role when his son — the child’s father — is largely absent.
The discussion highlights:
the emotional weight grandparents often carry
the confusion around boundaries
the desire to help without overstepping
the importance of nurturing relationships
and the need for balance, compassion, and communication
This conversation is one of the season’s emotional anchors, offering relatable insight for families across the UK.
New Feature: Celebrity Parenting Dilemmas
Another major highlight of Series Three is the introduction of a new celebrity-focused feature, where well-known public figures submit their real parenting questions.
This fresh segment shows that parenting challenges affect everyone — regardless of fame, status, or experience.
Featured celebrity voices include:
Jon Bon Jovi
Louise Pentland
Hollie McNish
Charlotte Dawson
and more surprise names across the series
These celebrity dilemmas are not polished PR stories — they’re honest, sometimes messy, and deeply relatable. Listeners get a glimpse behind the curtain of family life for high-profile parents, reminding everyone that parenthood levels the playing field.
This season strikes a rare balance: emotional storytelling, real-life challenges, and actionable tips parents can try at home.
Episodes explore topics such as:
Handling toddler tantrums
Encouraging healthy play
Building early communication skills
Managing bedtime battles
Planning at-home educational activities
Understanding children’s emotional worlds
Supporting parental mental health
Staying connected as a couple
Coping with stressful transitions
Rebuilding confidence after childbirth
The advice is accessible, warm, and grounded in real experience — making it perfect for both new parents and those raising older children.
A Message from Charlie Hedges
Speaking ahead of the launch, Charlie shared heartfelt praise for her co-host and friend Holly Hagan-Blyth:
“Holly is taking time to grieve and be with her family. I’ve missed recording with her, but I’m honoured to help carry the podcast forward this season.”
She continues:
“Every episode is packed with genuine questions and expert insight. I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve created.”
Charlie’s sincerity and passion shine through, making her a natural fit for the series.
Where & When to Listen
The new series of CBeebies Parenting Helpline is available:
Weekly on BBC Sounds
On all major podcast platforms
Plus a visualised version on BBC iPlayer
Episode one is streaming from 27 November 2025.
With its blend of emotion, expertise, humour, and honesty, Series Three is set to become an essential listening companion for parents everywhere.
