BBC signs up Rachel Riley and John Boyega to teach children through homeschooling initiative

Countdown’s Rachel Riley and Star Wars actor John Boyega are among the famous faces recruited for the BBC’s homeschooling programme to educate schoolchildren during the coronavirus lockdown.

The broadcaster has announced new details of its virtual learning programme, which has launched today on BBC iPlayer and Red Button. 

Among those taking part are Oxford graduate and math whizz Rachel, 34, who will be ‘dropping in’ and John, 28, who has previously taught English classes for the network. 

Footballer Sergio Aguero, who will help children to learn to count in Spanish, and science genius Prof Brian Cox. 

Ed Balls has been recruited to deliver a maths class for 11 to 14-year-olds, while Attenborough will tackle oceans and mapping the world.

EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, who is a direct descendant of King Edward III, will provide a history class for five to seven-year-olds on Henry VIII.

The BBC added that Jodie Whittaker, who plays Doctor Who, will ‘drop in’ on its Bitesize Daily lessons.

Love Island’s Dr Alex George, an A&E doctor working on the COVID-19 frontline, will also be part of the classes.

He has previously given advice to students on how to deal with exam stress on BBC Bitesize. 

Celebrities Liam Payne and Mabel, TV presenter Anita Rani, and Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse will work alongside over 200 teachers. 

England rugby player Maro Itoje is also part of the programme, reading excerpts from How To Be A Cat, for year six pupils.

Alice Webb, director of BBC Children’s and Education said: ‘We’re proud that the BBC can bring together so many people to offer such a wide-ranging package of support to help children and parents right across the UK at such a challenging time.

‘We said the BBC would be there for people through this crisis, and we meant it. It’s vital that every child is able to continue learning – and the lessons we’re putting on will make sure they have fun at the same time.’

The BBC unveiled plans earlier this month to support the education of ‘every child in the UK’ and provide ‘rhythm and routine’ for their frazzled parents.

The programme includes BBC Bitesize Daily, which will feature six 20-minute programmes each day, aimed at different age groups.

There will also be a maths and English lesson every day for different age groups, as well as daily education podcasts. 

Programmes on BBC Four on weekday evenings will aim to support GCSE and A-level courses, as students face a period of uncertainty during the lockdown.  

Many older Danny Dyer fans admitted they would be happy to re-enroll for classes if it meant being tutored by the straight talking actor.  

One tweeted: ‘Would’ve been all over history in school if Danny Dyer was my teacher. Hearing about Henry 8th getting married to 6 proper naughty little sorts.’   

Ageuro said of his new signing: ‘It’s a tough time for children at the moment, and also for parents trying to keep them focussed on their education from home.

‘The BBC are doing brilliant work to help and I’m honoured to be able to play a part.’