"It’s so important that young children are able to dream big, so I loved reading Sammy Striker and the Football Cup for CBeebies Bedtime Stories. It would be incredible to think a future Lioness might be inspired to dream of following in my footsteps on International Women’s Day." — Millie Bright

Chelsea defender and England’s 2023 Women’s World Cup captain, Millie Bright, scores a new goal as the latest star to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story to families across the UK.

Known for inspiring younger generations to dream big, football sensation Millie Bright will be reading ‘Sammy Striker and the Football Cup’, written by Catherine Emmett and illustrated by Joe Berger. The story follows an inspirational tale all about friendship, football and having the courage to believe in yourself.

Millie’s story marks a special International Women’s Day CBeebies Bedtime Story, in an episode that was produced, directed and edited by an all-female team.

The Lioness leaves her lasting impression by adding her own inspirational personal motto to the end of the story, saying “people have said I dream too big. I say they think too small. So why not have some big dreams of your own when you go to sleep tonight.”

Millie Bright said: “It’s so important that young children are able to dream big, so I loved reading Sammy Striker and the Football Cup for CBeebies Bedtime Stories. It would be incredible to think a future Lioness might be inspired to dream of following in my footsteps on International Women’s Day.”

Millie Bright is the latest sports star to read a CBeebies Bedtime Story and joins teammate Leah Williamson, as well as Harry Kane, Anthony Joshua, Rob Burrow and Jessica Ennis-Hill who have all read in the iconic yellow chair.

CBeebies Bedtime Stories is on each weekday at 6.50pm on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

Millie Bright’s story will air on Friday 8 March for International Women’s Day.