Stockport creator’s sweet stop motion series wins BAFTA recognition

Stockport-based children’s author Corrinne Averiss began writing Tweedy & Fluff during a time of uncertainty, when isolation and anxiety felt heavy in the air.

She set out to make something gentle: a story that could offer comfort, warmth, and recognition to young children.

What began as a quiet idea has now led to a BAFTA nomination, celebrating an animation that has moved audiences far and wide.

The stop-motion series, which follows the bond between a cautious knitter and a curious creature, has found a deep emotional connection with viewers and is one of just four UK children’s scripted shows recognised this year.

Co-produced with her husband Martin Tapley and directed by Chris Randall of Second Home Studios, Tweedy & Fluff has become a tender, handmade celebration of care, connection, and how children experience the world.

Tweedy & Fluff

Tweedy & Fluff tells the story of Tweedy, a little toy made from tweed cloth, and Fluff, a four-legged ball of woolly fuzz who becomes his beloved pet.

The series, consisting of 40 five-minute episodes, is inspired by the kindness and attention that children show towards small animals.

Corrinne shared: “It all started at my desk, trying to write while negotiating space with Alba, our now 13-year-old tabby cat.

“If you have a cat, you’ll know they tend to sit on whatever it is you want to read or use! I noticed I was using these gentle, indirect ways to get her to move, like placing an equally enticing piece of paper elsewhere, hoping she’d relocate voluntarily.”

This observation sparked the idea of a nurturing relationship between a carer and a dependent, leading to the creation of Tweedy & Fluff.

“That dynamic struck me as something universal, and such an important loving thing for children to observe. And of course, children especially have an innate tendency to connect with and nurture small animals.

“It is so empowering to care for someone who seems even more vulnerable in the world than you feel.”

Tweedy & Fluff Bafta nomination

Being one of only four UK children’s scripted series nominated across all genres at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards is a significant achievement.

Corrinne said, “The competition this year was incredibly strong, especially as it’s the first time that children’s shows have been included in the BAFTA TV awards rather than having their own separate event.

“This has reduced the eligible categories to just two. There were so many brilliant series that could have been recognised, so when I saw Tweedy & Fluff on the list of nominees, it was genuinely overwhelming.

“I just felt incredibly proud and a bit stunned that our little show had been selected!”

The series has already garnered multiple accolades, including three Royal Television Society Midlands Awards for Best Animation, Production Craft, and Breakthrough for Corrinne herself. It has also been nominated for Best Preschool Show in the forthcoming Broadcast Awards.
Greater Birmingham Chambers

In an era of rapid digital content, Tweedy & Fluff stands out for its calm, nurturing tone and handmade aesthetic. Corrinne explained, “In today’s fast-paced, digital world, I think there’s a powerful need for tenderness, calm, and a bit of handmade imperfection. The warm observational storytelling from Nina Wadia OBE, gentle pacing, and visual humour give preschoolers the room to be curious, to engage emotionally, and to discover how kindness, empathy, and patience shape our relationships.”

She added, “But what I love most is that it creates a truly shared viewing experience. When you speak to the heart, you speak to all ages. Parents and grandparents aren’t leaving the room; they’re watching and reconnecting with their own inner child. That kind of cross-generational connection is increasingly rare and incredibly special.”

A husband and wife collaboration

The creation of Tweedy & Fluff has been a deeply personal journey for Corrinne, not least because her husband, Martin Tapley, served as the Series Producer. When asked how it was to work with her husband, she quipped: “Dreadful! (only joking) No, it was a real joy to work with Martin on Tweedy & Fluff and along with our business partner (and talented stop-motion Director of the series) Chris Randall, this project has been part of our lives for such a long time.

“We have highly complementary skills and have supported each other throughout, creatively and emotionally. That said, working with your husband means the project never leaves the room. You can load the dishwasher at 10 pm and talk about schedules and finance – yay!”

Corrinne’s connection to Greater Manchester runs deep. She shared, “It’s a place with all the perks of a major international hub—vibrant, diverse, full of opportunity and creative energy—but you’re never far from the natural world, hills, and wild open spaces. That contrast keeps me grounded and creatively inspired in equal measure. And here, in Stockport, on the edge of the beautiful Peaks but with a view back into the city feels unique and perfect.”

What’s next for Tweedy & Fluff

With Season 2 already in development, Corrinne is optimistic about the future of Tweedy & Fluff.

She said, “There’s a real momentum building, with growing international interest through social media and overseas sales, supported by our distributor, MIAM! But funding in the TV industry is really tough right now, particularly for children’s content. It is a significant challenge, especially since the loss of the Young Audiences Content Fund.”

Despite these challenges, the team is actively seeking partners who share their vision to bring Tweedy & Fluff’s beautiful world to even more families.

Corrinne added, “We hope to announce licensing representation this year, along with news of sensitive re-imaginings in the publishing and theatrical space, bringing this tender world to even more audiences across the globe.”The universal themes of love, safety, and connection in Tweedy & Fluff have resonated with audiences worldwide.

“It’s quite amazing, and I guess in some way proves that when ‘art’ is truly personal, intimate, and comes from the heart, it connects in a truly universal way.

“Tweedy & Fluff is essentially a love letter to pets—the furry little creatures who bring us humans so much joy and provide us with many nurturing opportunities to soothe our souls.”

“Children get this instinctively and adore seeing the joyful ups and comical downs of Tweedy’s life with Fluff. They relate to both characters, Fluff’s energy and instinct and Tweedy’s attempts to see out a plan and protect Fluff. It’s quite incredible to see the series sitting in the company of huge brands with multiple series like Peppa, Paw Patrol, and Paddington in the ‘Most Popular’ Milkshake! selection on My5 VOD.”

Words of wisdom for creatives in Greater Manchester

For aspiring creatives, especially those in Greater Manchester, Corrinne offers sage advice: “Forging a career in the creative industries is tough, so building a resilient and flexible mindset is so important. Look at where your creative skills can be applied, even in unexpected places. Manchester is a great place to be for opportunities, so find the broader subject that really lights you up and gets you passionate, then look at the multiple ways to approach that area.”

She concludes, “So find the subject/area that lights you up, that you find yourself repeatedly drawn to, and then explore the myriad ways you can light little candles from that flame.

“Sometimes it may feel indirect, but it’s moving you around that interest, so you’re that much more likely to be motivated and satisfied.”

As the BAFTA Television Awards approach, the gentle world of Tweedy & Fluff stands as powerful showcase of the strength of heartfelt storytelling.

Corrinne’s journey from Stockport to the global stage is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the magic that can unfold when we nurture our passions with love and perseverance.

You can find out more about Tweedy & Fluff on their website by clicking here