Today, the judges of the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition, BBC 500 Words met at Buckingham Palace to deliberate the overall winners from almost 44,000 entries.

Chaired by BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay, Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, and with thoughts contributed by Malorie Blackman, discussed who will win the iconic prize at the grand final and meet Her Majesty The Queen, who has championed the competition every year since 2015.

A glimpse into the judges deliberating over the 50 finalists’ stories was showcased on The One Show this evening. Additionally, the first pair of celebrity readers were confirmed.

Hugh Bonneville from the Paddington films and Oti Mabuse from Strictly Come Dancing are now confirmed as two of the celebrities who will be reading the winning stories at the grand final taking place at Buckingham Palace later this month. The identities of the remaining four celebrity readers will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Helen Foulkes, Head of BBC Education, says: “It’s brilliant that so many children from across the UK entered their stories to BBC 500 Words, a competition that goes to the heart of BBC Children’s and Education. We had almost 44,000 entries which means our fantastic judging panel had to make some big deliberations to help decide on this year's overall winners. The grand final is going to be a very special occasion that celebrates the next generation of creative writers.”

50 finalists, along with their parents and carers, have been invited to attend the grand final this month at Buckingham Palace with The Queen. The entire event will feature in a special 500 Words programme on The One Show, airing on World Book Day®, Thursday 7 March 2024.

At the event, the bronze, silver and gold winners of both age groups, 5-7 and 8-11, will receive a selection of exciting prizes, including having their stories read by famous faces and a bundle of books to help fuel their passion for writing and continue their love of the written word.

All of their stories will be illustrated by children’s illustrators – Joelle Avelino, Axel Scheffler, Fiona Lumbers, Sue Cheung, Jamie Smart, and Steven Lenton – framed, and put into a 500 Words winners' book.