Mr Tumble star Justin Fletcher has found love — and now the father of his girlfriend has publicly given the couple his blessing despite their 21-year age difference.
The beloved CBeebies presenter, 55, whose real name is Justin Fletcher, has been in a relationship with performer Samantha Dorrance, 34, for around a year. The couple have largely kept their romance out of the spotlight, choosing instead to enjoy a quiet life together at Justin’s Oxfordshire farmhouse, where they care for chickens and spend time away from the public eye.
Now, Samantha’s father, Stuart Dorrance, has spoken publicly about the relationship for the first time and made it clear he fully supports the couple.
“They’re very happy. We’re happy. And that’s all that matters really,” Stuart said when asked about the romance.
The relationship marks the first publicly known romance for Justin, who has spent decades entertaining children through BBC’s Something Special and his iconic character, Mr Tumble.
According to sources close to the pair, Justin and Samantha bonded through their shared passion for performing and musical theatre. Their professional connection dates back several years, having first worked together in 2015 when Samantha joined The Tale of Mr Tumble as the character Tootsie.
The pair later reunited on stage in a production of Cinderella at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre in 2024. Samantha, who played Cinderella, even shared a photograph of the cast at the time and wrote: “I couldn’t ask for a better Buttons.”
Friends say their friendship gradually developed into something more, with romance reportedly blossoming last year.
A source explained: “Justin and Samantha are madly in love and couldn’t be happier. They are both dedicated performers and bonded over their love of musical theatre.
“Although there is an age gap it isn’t an issue between them.”
Samantha has enjoyed a successful career in entertainment herself. After attending the Birmingham School of Acting and studying Popular Music, she won a Disney Channel talent competition before securing roles in theatre, including playing Laura in Dreamboats and Petticoats at just 19 years old.
In recent months, fans began noticing clues about the relationship through Samantha’s social media posts. While she never publicly named Justin, she frequently referred to “her partner” and shared snapshots from the picturesque Oxfordshire farm where they now live together.
Last August, she hinted at her happiness with a post that read: “The little things. Dancing on the beach at sunset, planting seeds on a lazy afternoon and hanging with our glorious chickens.”
Insiders say Samantha has since moved into Justin’s six-bedroom farmhouse in Henley-on-Thames, a historic 17th-century property that has become their shared retreat from busy performing schedules.
Friends of the couple believe the relationship has brought happiness to both of them.
One insider said: “Justin and Samantha’s friends are thrilled they have found love with each other.
“For Justin, Samantha is ‘The One’. Justin was single for a while before he reconnected with Samantha and it went from there. They enjoy a quiet life on the farm when they’re not out performing.
“The farm is their sanctuary and where they both feel happiest.”
For a man who has spent much of his life bringing joy to children across Britain, it appears Justin has finally found a special happiness of his own away from the cameras.
