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Horrible Histories takes a look at life from the dinner table to the workplace and even the dance floor, as well as tackling the history of the day's contemporary hot topics.

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Episodes

Production of the ninth series was halted by the pandemic and so was split over 2020 - 21. The first 6 episodes were aired separately to coincide with a historic day or celebration. This includes episodes 1-3 which were produced under coronavirus restrictions and so became 'animated specials', combined with some green-screen performances from the cast. As was the BBC centenary special, airing last in 2022. In a change to format, three of the four animated specials were 15 minutes in length, compared to the usual 28 minutes. The series also saw a new puppeteer for Rattus Rattus, who was absent from six episodes.

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Series 9 Episode 1

British Black History Animated Special

Horrible Histories charts the contribution of Black people to British life throughout history. How did African soldiers come to be guarding Hadrian’s Wall? Why was a West African diver asked to help salvage Henry VIII's ship?

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Series 9 Episode 2

Gruesome Guide to Growing Up Animated Special

Horrible Histories delves into the not-so-easy lives of children throughout history; featuring a video call with some of the ancient world's strictest parents.

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Series 9 Episode 3

Protesting with Pankhurst Animated Special

Emmeline Pankhurst is our guide through the history of protest; featuring Luddites, Cheese Riots and four incredible female protesters.

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Series 9 Episode 4

Precious Planet

Charles Darwin presents a special show, as Horrible Histories takes a timely look at our planet and how we’ve behaved towards it throughout history. 

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Series 9 Episode 5

Dastardly Dance

Strictly’s Shirley Ballas joins Rattus for a waltz through the history of dance, with Bruno Tonioli as Nero, who had his dance teacher killed, and Queen Vic’s Highland reel! 

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Series 9 Episode 6

Cracking Christmas

Horrible Histories brings you a cracking Christmas special, delving into the origins of the festive season. 

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Series 9 Episode 7

Foul Feasting

Horrible Histories serves up the history of foul feasting, from Stone Age lentils to Queen Victoria’s anti-fart bread.

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Series 9 Episode 8

Infectious Influencers

From Cleopatra’s hairdo to Elizabeth I’s flushing loo, meet history’s biggest Influencers. 

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Series 9 Episode 9

Banging Bling

From Henry VIII’s wine fountain, to Empress Dowager’s marble boat, Horrible Histories talks money, jewellery and untold treasures.

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Series 9 Episode 10

Diabolical Daily Life

Daily life can be a bit of a grind, but not as much as it was in the past! Rattus takes us round the clock, revealing daily routines throughout history, from waking in Ancient Egypt to Medieval Loo Man.

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Series 9 Episode 11

Monstrous Myths

Count Rattula guides us through some of history’s greatest myths and monsters, including Henry VIII’s Robin Hood obsession and ancient ghostbusters.

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Series 9 Episode 12

Big BBC Birthday Bonanza Animated Special

On Auntie’s Big Birthday, Horrible Histories celebrates the Corporation’s past century packed with fascinating facts and jokes.

Highlights specials

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Series 9 Episode 13

Henry & Liz's Family Face-Off Special

Terrible Tudors King Henry VIII and his daughter Queen Elizabeth I bicker about who was the best ruler.

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Series 9 Episode 14

Cursed Careers Special

Rattus considers a career change, and luckily he has the whole of history to look through for ideas. Could he be an inventor like Babbage, or is the pirate life for him? 

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Series 9 Episode 15

Smash Hit Songs Special

Rattus has an idea that might make him millions – he is going to launch a streaming service. However, to make Ratify a success, he is going to need some great songs from history. 

Cast & crew

CREDITS:

Series 9 featured the shows largest and most diverse cast yet. There were several new additions to the team, including Dave Chapman who appeared in some episodes to voice Rattus Rattus. The first three animated specials were made up of a slightly different team; below is the cast and crew from episodes 4 up.

GUESTS

SUPPORTING CAST

MAIN CAST

Robert Rinder

Bruno Tonioli

Shirley Ballas

​

More TBA...

Divian Ladwa

Ethan Lawrence

Kiell Smith-Bynoe

Inel Tomlinson

Sophie Wu

More TBA...

Emily Lloyd - Saini

Harrie Hayes

James McNicholas

Jessica Ransom

Paul G Raymond

Richard David-Caine

Timmika Ramsay

Tom Stourton

Verona Rose

ALSO

PUPPETEER

Dave Chapman

ADDITIONAL VOICES

Jon Culshaw

Chris Chan

Sophie Wu

WRITING TEAM

PRODUCTION TEAM

Ben Ward (Lead)

Howard Read

Jack Bernhardt

Jessica Ransom

Lucy Clarke

Max Olseker

Susie Donkin

Athena Kugblenu

Claire Wetton

Gabby Hutchinson-Crouch

DIRECTOR

Gordon Anderson

SERIES EDITOR

Simon Wilson

SERIES PRODUCER

Simon Rogers

PRODUCER

Matt Lamont

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Melissa Hardinge (for CBBC)

Richard Bradley (for lion TV)

Simon Welton (for Lion TV)

EDITORS

Duncan O'Neill

Gary Smith

James Cooper

James Lagen

HISTORICAL CONSULTANT

Greg James

COMPOSER

Richie Webb

CHOREOGRAPHER

Lucie Pankhurst

ANIMATION

Studio43

ADDITIONAL CREDIT

Anjali Vyas-Brannick was a researcher on the show; due to a production error he did not get a screen credit.

ANIMATED SPECIALS:

Episodes 1-3, which were produced under coronavirus restrictions, had a different cast and crew to the rest of the series.

ADDITIONAL VOICES

MAIN CAST

WITH

Kayode Ewumi

Akemnji Ndifornyen

Javone Prince

Oliver Wellington

Richard David-Caine

James McNicholas

Dominique Moore

Jessica Ransom

Verona Rose

Tom Stourton

Gemma Whelan

Kiell Smith-Bynoe

Esmay Francis

Lily Gaffney

Harrie Hayes

Emily Lloyd-Saini

Jay-Jay Prince

Daniel Lawrence-Taylor

Paul G Raymond

Ben Ward (Lead)

James McNicholas

Celia Morgan

Jessica Ransom

Howard Read

Claire Wetton

DIRECTOR

Matt Holt

SERIES EDITOR

Simon Wilson

SERIES PRODUCER

Lisa Mitchell

EDITOR

Jim Hampton

COMPOSER

Richie Webb

ANIMATION

Studio43

CHOREOGRAPHER

Lucie Pankhurst

PRODUCTION TEAM

WRITING TEAM

GALLERY:

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