Page 51 - Toy & Hobby Retailer Magazine Mar-Apr 2019

There’s plenty to get excited about in 2019 with BBC Studios.
Here are some of the highlights of 2018 and a quick look at what’s coming up.
Doctor Who continues to be one of BBC Studios’ best-loved brands. Its latest regeneration heralded a new era for the series with a brand-new logo and cast, including the introduction of Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor. Bigger and bolder than ever, series 11 was a global hit, with rave reviews in both the UK and Australia. Its premiere was the second biggest drama of the year and it was one of the UK’s top
10 programmes in 2018. Locally, the premiere doubled the average timeslot, and the series continued to perform strongly.
BBC Studios partnered with Mattel to release the first ever Doctor Who Limited Edition Barbie®, sending fans and collectors into a frenzy.
In Australia, preorders quickly sold
out through exclusive partner Zing Pop
Culture. The women’s Christmas tee had
fantastic sales through retailer BIG W,
plus the new sonic screwdriver and Funko’s
Thirteenth Doctor Pop! Vinyl Figure proved to
be very popular. After a stellar first series, the Doctor and her friends will return in early 2020. BBC Studios
is working with world-class partners on more exciting products, including Roadshow (DVDs), Penguin Random House (publishing), Winning Moves (games), Ikon Collectables (toys and gifts), Impact Posters (stationery and posters) and Caprice (apparel).
Loved by kids and parents, Hey Duggee continues to go from strength to strength. The programme was top dog at the 2018 Children’s BAFTAs, winning three awards, including best pre-school animation. In partnership
with The Entertainment Store, the Duggee costume character was busy giving hugs in a series of mini- musicals throughout Australia. The brand has a number of exciting partnerships including Roadshow, Penguin Random House, Winning Moves, Jasnor (toys and infant feeding), Designworks (apparel) and Neetfeet (footwear). In 2019, Jasnor are set to release an adorable new
range of toys, including Dress Me Up Duggee and Musical Duggee.
Created by the award-winning Ludo Studio, Bluey follows a blue-heeler pup who loves to play and turns everyday family life into adventures. Since premiering in October 2018, Bluey has become an instant family favourite, with over 14 million views on ABC iView. On iTunes, a collection of episodes jumped straight into the overall top 10 and peaked at number one in the children’s television chart.
BBC Studios has global merchandise and licensing distribution rights for the series and Nicole Chungue, Licensing Manager for BBC Studios ANZ, says “With Bluey’s fan base quickly growing, we’re excited to be working on a fun range of merchandise that will delight kids and parents – watch this space!”
BBC Earth’s natural history titles continue to flourish, with landmark titles including Blue Planet II attracting new family audiences and prompting a return to must- see event television. Expect more ground-breaking family entertainment from BBC Earth throughout 2019.
A number of much-loved brands are returning in 2019. All-new episodes of Hey Duggee, Sarah & Duck and Go Jetters return to CBeebies. The world’s biggest motoring entertainment show Top Gear returns for its 26th series. Finally, fans of the global
hit Dancing With The Stars can expect plenty of sequins, fancy footwork and fun as the
show triumphantly twirls
back onto Australian screens on Network 10.