Paddy and Christine McGuinness are joining Salford comedian Jason Manford in a special episode of his hit animated show, "Daisy & Ollie".

They are joining the show for a special episode screening on Channel 5's Milkshake, the channels pre-school programming, to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on Thursday April 2.

The episode titled "How do I make friends with Theo?" features Top Gear star Paddy McGuinness and National Autistic Society ambassador and TV star Christine McGuinness, as the voices of Uncle Tommy and Theo's mum.

Theo is Daisy’s cousin, who is reluctant to make friends with Ollie immediately, but the family soon help him understand that Theo is autistic, meaning he sees and understands the world a little differently.

The shows creators, Hoopla Animation, partnered with the National Autistic Society to produce the episode, and to ensure that the message of autism was communicated sensitively and accurately.

As parents to autistic children, Christine and Paddy were more than happy to be on board with the episode, and contributed towards the design of their characters.

Christine McGuinness, National Autistic Society ambassador, said: "“It was amazing for Paddy and I to be asked by Jason Manford to be part of this very special autism themed episode of Daisy & Ollie.

"As parents to three autistic children, we know how important it is for other children and families to understand autism, so voicing Theo’s parents in the show was a wonderful opportunity for us to share this important message.

"We will continue to spread awareness and help change society for our own little superstars and autistic people and their families.

Jane Harris, Director of External Affairs at the National Autistic Society, said, “We are so excited for this special episode of Daisy & Ollie, airing on World Autism Awareness Day – it’s an amazing opportunity for younger children to learn more about autism.”

The episode airs on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.