Lizzie Waterworth has voiced the title character in the children’s TV series for 13 years, appearing across all 250 episodes broadcast between 2006 and 2019.

The BAFTA-nominated voice actor was shortlisted for Best Performer at the British Academy Children’s Awards in 2019 for her work as Henry.

She also played Nitty Nora, the school nurse, in the 2011 live-action film Horrid Henry: The Movie.

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Lizzie Waterworth. (Image: DK)

Away from the mischievous animated schoolboy, Ms Waterworth’s credits include Alphablocks, Bob the Builder, The Backyardigans, Angelina Ballerina: The Next Steps, Franklin, Clifford’s Puppy Days and the stop-motion film Strike.

Now, the Oxford Mail can exclusively announce that Ms Waterworth is coming to the county’s very own comic-con on Sunday, September 7.

Abbey-Con is held by Rob Turner and Trooper Events annually at the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre in Abingdon.

A statement from the convention’s organisers said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Lizzie Waterworth is joining us at Abbey-Con!

“You may know Lizzie as the voice of Horrid Henry (a role that earned her a BAFTA nomination!), but that’s just the beginning!

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“She’s also brought to life beloved characters in Alphablocks, Bob the Builder, Isadora Moon, and even Cutie the Elephant in the award-winning video game It Takes Two.

“With an incredible career spanning animation, television and gaming, Lizzie has been entertaining families for years.

“But her work doesn’t stop behind the microphone! She’s passionate about helping young people build confidence through public speaking and works with schools, businesses and Milton Keynes University Hospital to support children during hospital visits.

“Whether you’re a lifelong Horrid Henry fan, grew up watching her characters, or just love meeting the talented people behind your favourite shows and games, this is your chance to meet Lizzie in person!

“At Abbey-Con in The White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre.”

The 62-year-old actor, best known for playing Alfie Moon, is scheduled to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 9 on a charge of drink-driving.

Police said the arrest followed reports of a suspected drink-driver in the Church Langley Way area of Harlow shortly before 11.20pm on Wednesday, July 29.

Officers attended the scene and arrested a man, and a charge of drink-driving was later authorised against Shane Roche, 62, of Tadworth, Surrey.

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Now, The Sun’s sources on EastEnders have claimed that some cast members are becoming frustrated by what they see as preferential treatment for certain stars.

Shane Richie has reportedly been given time away from the soap later this year to take on a pantomime role said to be worth six figures.

However, other actors — who are claimed to earn less for their work on the BBC programme — have allegedly had comparable requests turned down.

A Walford insider said: “Nothing will happen [to Shane]. Nothing ever does to the favourites.

“Jessie [Wallace] and Shane are both given time off to effectively double their salaries while others aren’t allowed unless it works for the show.

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“They say it’s down to the story but when it’s the same people allowed time off time and time again then it seems like it’s not about the story and more about keeping a select few happy.”

Mr Richie first came to prominence after working as a Pontins bluecoat and stand‑up comedian before moving into television game shows and sketch comedy.

He joined EastEnders in 2002, with his character Alfie Moon quickly becoming one of the BBC soap’s most popular figures.

His on‑off partnership with Kat Slater is regarded as one of soap’s best‑known double acts and has seen him appear in more than a thousand episodes.

Away from Albert Square, Mr Richie has fronted prime‑time TV shows, appeared in major stage musicals and pursued a parallel career as a recording artist.

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He also has strong links to Oxford’s theatre scene, having performed at the New Theatre in 2006 in a production of Scrooge.

More recently, he appeared in the city in 2025 as part of the Prat Pack, bringing a mix of music and comedy to local audiences.

The show teams him with fellow entertainers Bradley Walsh, Brian Conley and Joe Pasquale, who bill themselves as a tongue‑in‑cheek take on the classic Rat Pack.

Their 2025 tour stopped at the New Theatre Oxford on George Street for a one‑night date on 22 May, mixing big‑band standards, comedy and stories from their decades in showbusiness.

The New Theatre was one of a string of venues on the national run, giving city audiences a chance to see Mr Richie perform live alongside his long‑time friends.

On Wednesday, August 5, signs across University Parks warned that “recent dry weather” had caused an algal bloom, which it said, “may be harmful to humans and pets”.

This comes amid the identification of potential algal blooms across Oxfordshire.

These large growths of algae or bacteria in waterways can be dangerous to human health and fatal to dogs.

Signage near a historic bathing spot read: “Algae in the river.

“Please be aware that there is currently an algal bloom in the river caused by the recent dry weather conditions.

“This may be harmful to humans and pets so it is advisable NOT to enter the water or allow your dogs to do so until further notice.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

After Local Democracy Reporting Service enquiries about what kind of algae was suspected, potential impacts, whether this had been reported to the Environment Agency and if testing had been carried out, a spokesperson for the university said that the signs had been put up “as a precaution” and revealed the parks team “are now confident that this is not a potentially toxic algal bloom”.

(Image: Isabella Harris/LDRS)

They said: “In fact it is duckweed ( Lemna minor ), which has formed a thick mat resembling an algal bloom due to the low water levels, warm conditions, plentiful sunlight and slow river flow.

“Duckweed is native and completely harmless.

“There is therefore no risk to people or animals from poisonous algae – although the very low water levels and poor visibility means entering the water is still a bad idea.”

The signs have since been replaced, but had prompted criticism of water companies and fears about climate change impacts.

Oxfordshire councillors, MPs and campaign groups spoke out, calling for change.

While this algal bloom warning has been retracted, concerns remain about the impact of climate change and drought in Oxfordshire as well as the health of its waterways.

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology’s ‘Bloomin’ Algae maps’ show a “confirmed bloom” in the Farmoor Reservoir, and a “plausible” bloom at the Wolvercote Mill Stream.

The Environment Agency confirmed toxic blue-green algae at a lake in Hardwick Parks in Standlake between Witney and Abingdon.

The Environment Agency’s guidance says that toxin‑producing blooms “can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets,” and in humans “can cause rashes after skin contact and illnesses if swallowed.”

The NHS in Borders notes that human illness linked to blue‑green algae has included “skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and pains in muscles and joints” after people swallowed or swam through algal scum, with some cases “severe” but no confirmed deaths.

Veterinary experts are clear that the risk is much higher for dogs.

The Royal Kennel Club similarly says “blue‑green algae can produce toxins that may be deadly to dogs” and advises owners not to let dogs drink from or swim in contaminated water.