The BBC has unveiled three new Christmas idents featuring beloved characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's picture books, created by Magic Light Pictures. The idents will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on 30 November after Strictly Come Dancing and will run throughout the festive season.
The idents celebrate this year's animated special The Scarecrows' Wedding, with lead characters Harry O'Hay and Betty O'Barley receiving a Christmas visit from Santa. Another ident features Zog, Pearl and Gadabout from Zog and the Flying Doctors, alongside the Witch from Room on the Broom. The third ident brings together The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Stick Man and his family.
Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, said: 'Magic Light have done the BBC proud and created three unforgettable idents that beautifully capture the festive spirit. Featuring a selection of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's most popular characters, I hope they will spread some extra joy and togetherness into homes across the UK.'
Martin Pope, Joint CEO of Magic Light Pictures, added: 'It's a real joy to see our much-loved characters returning to the BBC this Christmas. These new idents capture the heart of what makes the stories so special – imagination, warmth and wonder.'
The idents were animated by Triggerfish Animation Studios. All thirteen animated specials based on Donaldson and Scheffler's books, from The Gruffalo (2009) to this year's The Scarecrows' Wedding, will air on BBC One and iPlayer over Christmas.
