Justin Fletcher, best known as the beloved CBeebies character Mr Tumble, has revealed a surprising chapter in his personal life: his relationship with fellow performer Samantha Dorrance. Despite a 21-year age gap—Justin is 55, Samantha 34—the pair’s romance blossomed over the past year after reconnecting through children’s theatre projects.
Known for keeping his private life under wraps, Fletcher traditionally separated his work on hit shows like Something Special, Justin’s House, and Gigglebiz from his personal affairs. However, following his decision to step back from regular presenting duties in January 2025, the 17th-century Oxfordshire farmhouse owner appears to have embraced a new chapter alongside Samantha.
Samantha Dorrance’s story is one of early passion and varied success. Originating from Willenhall in the West Midlands, she began dance training at just two years old and was inspired by the musical High School Musical. She even reached the semi-finals of a BBC Blue Peter talent search in her youth. Music and theatre run in her family; her parents met performing in a musical group, while Samantha grew up surrounded by musical influences.
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At 15, Samantha won the Disney Channel UK talent contest “You’re The Star,” launching a seven-year career as a Disney presenter. She fronted shows including My School Musical and Disney Channel Dance Along, even traveling to the US to meet the High School Musical 3 cast. Transitioning smoothly into stage work, she landed the lead role in Bill Kenwright’s West End tour of Dreamboats and Petticoats and has since starred in over 20 professional pantomimes across the UK.
More than a performer, Samantha is dedicated to children’s mental health. In 2020, she completed Yale University’s The Science of Wellbeing course and created Sammy & The Sparks—a children’s pop group designed to support young people’s emotional wellbeing through music. During the pandemic, she served as Creative Director for ELT Songs, collaborating with Oxford University to produce educational content aiding children’s English learning. Samantha has also presented for Sky VIP and joined CBeebies in 2015 as Tootsie, the cheeky companion to Mr Tumble.
Justin and Samantha first worked together over a decade ago when she was cast as Tootsie in the stage show The Tale of Mr Tumble. Their longstanding professional relationship extended to CBeebies appearances and live performances, but their romantic connection only sparked last year while touring and performing in pantomimes, united by their love of musical theatre.
Since going public with their relationship, Samantha has moved into Justin’s £2.5 million farmhouse in Henley-on-Thames, where the couple enjoy a quiet countryside life. Samantha’s social media offers glimpses of their life together, including shared projects like hatching chickens. Friends say it’s heartwarming to see the dedicated TV star find love.
Although not a typical social media influencer, Samantha actively promotes her TV work, songwriting, and theatre on Instagram where she has nearly 9,000 followers. She also maintains a past presence on X with over 4,000 followers, though she has not been active on the platform recently.
Together, Justin Fletcher and Samantha Dorrance continue to thrive professionally while nurturing their personal bond—an inspiring partnership rooted in shared passion and mutual support.