To celebrate the value of early year educators two celebs have given a classroom of nursery children the most eventful World Book Day of their entire lives as part of wider government campaign
15:56, 05 Mar 2026Updated 09:39, 06 Mar 2026
A nursery was hit with a very unexpected World Book Day after their classroom was surprised by a man dressed as a piranha
A lucky bunch of toddlers had an unforgettable World Book Day after two celebs descended upon their nursery. Masked Singer 2024 winner Danny Jones shocked a nursery full of kids after he marched into a classroom wearing a full piranha costume.
And he was joined by Masked Singer host Joel Dommett for the chaotic surprise as children at the Prince Avenue Academy and Nursery, Southend, watched probably the most eventful World Book Day of their lives.
The duo took part in story time, mask making and a lot of singing which was all filmed for a new three‑part ITVX and YouTube series hitting screens today on World Book Day.
The surprise was part of the Department for Education’s ‘Do Something Big’ campaign
The surprise was part of the Department for Education’s “Do Something Big” campaign to showcase the everyday impact and professional skill of early years educators.
The campaign is aimed at inspiring more people to consider a career in the education sector. Masked Singer host Joel Dommett spoke of the day and said he was moved by the softness of the educators.
Joel said: “What really stood out to me today was the trust the early years educators have with the children. They teach in a way that doesn’t feel like teaching, it’s learning through play and it’s so incredible to watch.”
The campaign was launched to showcase the impact and skill of early years educators
The Masked Singer host added: “To all the early years educators out there, keep doing what you’re doing. It’s so important for children’s development, and you’re a huge support for parents across the country. Thank you for everything, you make an enormous difference.”
Danny also thanked the teachers and educators at the nursery for their hard work. Masked Singer’s 2024 champion said: “I’ve only got one little one to look after, so seeing how early years educators manage a whole room with such care and calm is amazing. Thank you for your patience, your energy, and the incredible work you do giving children the best possible start in life.”
The Prince Avenue Academy and Nursery team said the surprise story time experience meant the world to both the staff members and the children. Early Years Lead Ella Kotzé spoke of the experience calling it “heartwarming.”
The move was a part of a campaign to get more people involved in the education sector
Ella said: “It was a truly special experience for everyone and the excitement from the day has stayed with us ever since. During filming, we were so proud of our children and loved how interested and engaged they were.
“It was heartwarming to watch them interact with Danny and Joel and to have the opportunity to showcase their creativity through mask-making, sharing a story and one child confidently singing them a song!”
The full content of the series will be available to watch on ITVX and on YouTube today. And for more information about careers in Early Years education is available on the Do Something Big website here .
