First look at Jamillah and Aladdin

Launching initially on CBBC, the drama, which filmed on location in South Africa, will be shown across both CBBC and CBeebies, and will transport viewers of all ages to an ancient world full of intrigue and mysterious encounters.

Jamillah, a modern-day girl, lives with her family in London. She is curious and brave and is always on the look-out for adventure. Her story begins when she discovers a dusty old lamp in her attic makes a wish and is startled by the appearance of a charismatic and fun-loving Genie. Genie transports Jamillah back in time to ancient Baghdad where she meets Aladdin.

Aladdin hates household chores (he has a lot of them) and, like Jamillah, dreams of having adventures. He has never met a girl like her before and is amazed, and occasionally horrified, by her actions. She is courageous and bold but he often has to use his charm and quick wit to extricate them both from difficult situations. And, of course they can call on Genie when things get really bad. Sadly, his magic skills are a little rusty so he tends to create as many problems as he tries to solve!

Their adventures lead them through winding back streets of Baghdad, where they encounter snake charmers in shady courtyards, mysterious travellers in the bustling bazaar and even get to meet the princess in the sun-filled palace gardens. Lurking in shadowed alleyways are one or two baddies, but together with Genie they are a match for any trickster.

In the double opening episode Jamillah arrives in Baghdad for the first time, squashing Aladdin’s eggs in the process. In the confusion, Jamillah knocks the fruit from Mustafa (played by Joe Vaz) the market trader's stall. Mustafa demands either money or more fruit, but Aladdin has neither and is sent to jail. Jamillah and Genie must hatch a plan to try and get him out.


Jamillah and Aladdin will start on Sunday 29th November on CBBC, time to be confirmed.