Channel 5 children’s TV show Milkshake! needs “culturally diverse families” to share stories

Television producers are on the lookout for families with young children from diverse ethnic backgrounds for a new television series called ‘Harper and Reu’s Wonderworld’ for Chanel 5’ pre-school Milkshake! programme.

The show’s casting producer Emine Yalcin told T-VINE that filmmakers Doc Hearts have already “filmed 10 of our 20 episodes”, which includes families from Turkish and Greek Cypriot backgrounds.

The producers are also keen to have families from “The Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and North Africa” to also participate in the show, Ms Yalchin said.

“The programme will take children on a wondrous cultural journey through fun and engaging play dates, where Harper and Reu will be invited into the family home to explore and celebrate different cultures,” she added.

Each featured family will have children aged 3-7 years old and be from different cultural backgrounds and abilities. For practical reasons, the families should ideally live in or around London and the southeast of England.

The makers of the new Milkshake slot have previously created Channel 5’s hit segment Go Green with The Grimwades!

How to apply to be on Milkshake

The makers of Milkshake, Doc Hearts Films, are also behind hit television series ‘Go Green with the Grimwades’. They circulated these details for families wanting to apply to be on new show Milkshake.

We are looking for children of all abilities from various cultural backgrounds that would enjoy having a playdate!

  • Is your child aged between 3 and 7 years?
  • Is your child from a different cultural background and keen to show off their traditions and customs?

To apply, please send a video of your child doing the following:

  1. Could they introduce themselves to camera (smartphone/ iPhone) telling us their name, age, location and a few fun facts about themselves (this can be anything from family facts, their favourite animal, toy, TV show or even a joke). Alternatively, please do include this information in your email or via Makaton, BSL or however your child usually communicates.
  2. Can they take ‘us’ on a tour around their house, showing us their family spaces (e.g. the living room, kitchen etc).
  3. Could they (or you!) tell us some fascinating facts about their culture? For example, their favourite festival, food they like to eat, traditional games or national dress?

Video submissions should be emailed to castingkids@dochearts.com

The original deadline for applications has been extended to the beginning of January 2023.