BBC Studios and CBeebies have commissioned a fourth series of multi-award-winning hit animation Hey Duggee from Studio AKA.
Children and adults alike will be delighted to hear that Duggee and The Squirrels will return for 40 brand new episodes of the much-loved show.
Hey Duggee is a fun, inclusive and educational series devised by Grant Orchard, senior director of Studio AKA, and narrated by comedian Alexander Armstrong.
Each episode features members of the Squirrel Club exploring, learning and overcoming challenges to earn a new Badge from Duggee – making new friends along the way.
Since launching in 2014, Hey Duggee has become a six-time BAFTA and international Emmy award-winning hit on CBeebies and was the most-watched kids’ show on BBC iPlayer in 2020 with over 192 million requests. All episodes of Hey Duggee are available exclusively on BBC iPlayer in the UK.
Additionally, Hey Duggee has over 1.2 million fans across its social channels and its official YouTube channel has over a billion lifetime views. Recently Hey Duggee teamed up with The Body Coach Joe Wicks for The Workout Badges series on YouTube, following on from bespoke lockdown-themed content on its social channels such as The Handwashing Badge, while The Parenting Badge, which debuted in December 2020, has had over 1.2M views.
Henrietta Hurford-Jones, Director of Children’s and Executive Producer of Hey Duggee for BBC Studios, said: “Hey Duggee is so popular with both parents and children and I’m sure they’ll be as delighted as we are that a new series is on the way. We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved so far and how much people love Duggee and The Squirrels – so we’re delighted to be working with the hugely talented Studio AKA once more and can’t wait for you to see it!”
Sue Goffe, Head of Production at Studio AKA, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing our glorious Duggee Adventure with BBC Studios and CBeebies. A huge thank you to our extraordinary creative team for all their hard work, and to all our viewers for your continued love and support for the show. Prepare yourselves for more gems to come!”
Kate Morton, Head of BBC Children’s Commissioning & Acquisitions 0-6 said: “Hey Duggee is a staple in households right across the UK so we’re thrilled to continue our adventure with him and The Squirrels on CBeebies. Just like his young fans, all of us at BBC Children’s can’t wait to see what he gets up to next!”
Hey Duggee has an impressive global footprint in over 150 countries with its global popularity spawning numerous licensing agreements including Golden Bear as UK master toy partner and Penguin Books publishing under their Ladybird imprint. Recently BBC Studios secured agreements in Spain with Ypislon as licensing agent and Bizak as master toy partner, marking further growth in Western Europe.
Last year, France TV was signed as the French licensing agent for Hey Duggee and product now available in the region includes: toys from master toy Lansay; plush toys, furniture and melamine courtesy of licensee Jemini; puzzles and early learning games from Ravensburger; magazines by Milan; and books by Hachette.
This Christmas, from 1 December to 3 January, a spectacular world of twinkling animals will be brought to life at the Tower of London as part of a brand new magical festive experience suitable for all the family. Throughout December, the famous fortress will be dressed for the season, with stunning seasonal decorations bedecking Christmas trees across the site, accompanied by a series of festive installations based on the story of the Tower’s famous Royal Menagerie.
The Tower housed a royal menagerie for over 600 years and rather unexpectedly has been home to a range of animals – including a polar bear! From 1 December families can enjoy magical displays of glittering decorations and illuminated animal-themed areas across the site, telling the stories of some of the exotic animals that once called this historic place home. Begun as a result of medieval monarchs exchanging rare and exotic animals as gifts, Edward I established a permanent new home for the Menagerie - known as the Lion Tower - during his reign. By 1622 the collection had been extended to include everything from leopards, pumas, lions and eagles!
The Menagerie closed for good in 1835, but this Christmas it will be brought to life once more, with everything from naughty ravens to majestic elephants featuring in the new festive display. Visitors can marvel at a shimmering winter wonderland scene where a polar bear roams, before stumbling upon a set of golden wolves that guard the piles of coins and money bags along the famous Mint Street, once home of the Royal Mint. The centrepiece of the display will be a large and imposing Christmas tree on Tower Green, bedecked with ornate decorations linked to stories from the Tower including crowns, carriages and the famous Royal Jewels. Nestled among the presents at the base of the tree, little ones can have a go at spotting golden animals from each of the illuminations across the site. Finally, the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula will also be lavishly decorated with beautiful fleur de lis, crown, angel and cherub motifs to reflect the Chapel Royal’s grand architecture, where special Christmas services have been held for hundreds of years.
The perfect winter treat, Christmas at the Tower of London will run daily (excluding Mondays) from 1 December – 3 January and is included in general admission. The event has also been generously supported by the ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign launched by the Mayor of London to support the economic recovery of London following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Once families have enjoyed the magical lights, there is nearly 1,000 years of history still waiting to be explored throughout the day. The Yeoman Warders will be delivering their famous tours, regaling people with stories of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, torture and much more. Visitors can also spot one of the Tower’s resident ravens, who have been shrouded in myth and legend since Charles II decreed that at least six must remain or the kingdom will fall. Finally, no visit isn’t complete without a visit to the iconic Crown Jewels, where the magnificent world-famous collection of over 25,000 gemstones are just waiting to be admired.