500 Words launches on The One Show

Francesca took part in the launch of the BBC’s writing competition 500 Words in a special piece on The One Show. To watch the episode visit the BBC iplayer here. The annual competition which is the UK’s most successful writing competition for children, is now open for entries.

She’s just one of a host of starry judges; author Malorie Blackman, Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Sir Lenny Henry, Charlie Higson alongside the chair, BBC broadcaster Alex Jones. The winners will have the chance to meet The Queen, with the grand final taking place at Windsor Castle in February 2026.

Francesca said, “I love 500 Words. It’s a celebration of children’s creativity, a chance for kids aged 5-11 to write any story they like. I’ve been a judge since 2014 and reading the finalists’ fantastic stories is one of the highlights of my year.”

In order to find out more about the competition, and for entry details, visit the website.

Photograph of Francesca Simon on The One Show

Francesca on The One Show

Fabulous Francesca Facts

"Families are great sources of comedy because they are about people trapped together. Only the parents chose to be there and the rest of you are stuck with these people that you might not necessarily like"

"Nobody feels emotions like children and with Henry, the war is constant and total. Anyone who has lived in a family has these shared experiences - the car journey from hell, nits or vomiting"

"I’ve never met a child who doesn’t love hearing stories. It’s a good way of introducing them to books and it’s a great way of getting them to understand stories that they might not be able to read themselves"

"We all love stories, it all helps making sense of the world"

"Horrid Henry speaks to the impish, rebellious child in all of us"

"My first book was called Papa Forgot and was published in 1993"

"I’ve written over fifty books"

"My birthday is 23rd February"

"I’m a bit scared of the dark"

"My hobbies are reading, cooking and going to the theatre"

"My favourite author is Anthony Trollope"

"My most disliked food is beetroot"

"My favourite colour is aquamarine"

"My favourite food is scallops"