Animals Asia ambassador, Lesley Nicol, is so enamoured with bears she’s now taken her love of them to the small screen.

Lesley, who plays lovable Mrs. Patmore in the hit period drama Downton Abbey, has done much to raise awareness of the plight of moon bears and the cruel bile trade across China and Vietnam.

And now she’s also a regular guest star on a charming animated children’s television series from Disney Junior. Lesley lends her voice to the character of the Fairy Godmother in the fairytale-inspired animated series Goldie And Bear.

She is among a handful of other recurring guest stars in the series, which made its television debut in the USA in November on Disney Junior and Disney Channel.

Set in the magical world of Fairy Tale Forest, the animated series for children age 2-7 years reunites Goldie and Bear, after the renowned porridge incident in the classic tale Goldilocks and The Three Bears.

Lesley said:

“I was thrilled to get the part. I had to audition in person, which I have learned is standard practice for voiceover work in the USA. When you’re doing voice work, you look at the character and read the story, and they ask you to create a personality with your voice – so I saw this crazy character – and have hugely enjoyed making her slightly more crackers!” 

Lesley pledged support for Animal Asia in 2013 after being shocked and stunned to learn about the plight of thousands of Asiatic black bears across Asia. She has since visited our bear rescue centre in China four times – and was heavily involved in our successful 2014 campaign to save 132 bears in Nanning, China.

Jill Robinson, founder and CEO of Animals Asia, said:

“Lesley does so much to help us, and lifts our sanctuary every time she comes. She’s just the most kind and caring person, with a wicked sense of humour, and I couldn’t think of anyone better to play a Fairy Godmother in a series that involves bears!” 

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