How city's market became a CBeebies TV set

Coventry Market's fruit and vegetable stalls, fish counters and busy walkways have become an unlikely TV set.

Cameras are rolling among shoppers and traders as local children explore unfamiliar foods for a new CBeebies series.

I Can Taste It aims to help three to six-year-olds build confidence in trying different foods through sight, smell, touch, sound and taste.

Presented by Aaron Roach Bridgeman and puppet co-host Zesty, the programme is being filmed at the market, which producers say offers children an authentic environment in which to learn about food.

"It's important that children see themselves represented in real places with real people," said Dom Sant, founder of Common Story, the Leamington Spa-based company behind the series.

He said the market's atmosphere, variety of stalls and sense of community made it the perfect location.

Among the young participants is six-year-old Oscar, from Bedworth.

His mother, Hannah, said she applied after spotting an advert on social media.

"Oscar loves his food and he's very chatty, so when they met him he made a good impression," she said.

For Hannah, visiting the market has also brought back childhood memories.

"My mum and dad used to bring me here every Saturday morning to do the shopping and I'd always beg to go on the roundabout," she said.

"Every time I walk into the market it's nostalgic. I feel like I'm four years old again, holding my dad's hand."

Director Jess Matthews described filming as a "glorious chaos", with the production team often responding to children's reactions rather than following a strict script.

Alongside Aaron and Zesty, youngsters are also joined by Compost Monster, a character designed to encourage sustainable food habits and reduce food waste.

Market trader David Betts said the production had shone a light on one of Coventry's best-known landmarks.

"It's one of the iconic places in Coventry and people take it for granted," he said.

Fishmonger Clive Miller, whose stall is due to feature in filming, said the programme would help children discover foods they might not normally encounter.

"When children go to the supermarket, they don't get to see fish like this," he said.

"It's a chance for them to learn about a wider variety of fish and where food comes from."

The series is due to air in spring 2027.

Common Story began in a garden shed six years ago with a £10,000 budget. It has since made more than 100 programmes for CBeebies, with a further 30 currently in production.

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