Latest news with #BBCChildren'sandEducation


Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC announces new action-packed drama series from Death in Paradise writer
The BBC has announced the new action-packed drama series, Crookhaven, which is based on a popular novel series. The BBC has unveiled an "action-packed" eight-part adaptation of J. J. Arcanjo's popular novel series, promising a thrilling ride. The upcoming series, titled Crookhaven, is being created by Death in Paradise writer Justin Young. Billed as a "coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns", Crookhaven will chart the journey of a group of high-achieving young rogues at a clandestine school, where they're schooled to harness their "deception" and "crimnastics" skills for the greater good. The show's synopsis reveals: "Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his archrival, headmaster's daughter Penelope, the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they compete for the coveted Crooked Cup. "In a school where every teacher is a crook and traitors are lurking at every turn, no-one is entirely what they appear to be as the gang unearth the dark secrets that tie Penelope's missing mum to Gabriel's own enigmatic past and face off against a terrifying foe - The Nameless. "A coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns, Crookhaven is about finding your place in the world, learning who you can trust and the very nature of right and wrong." Filming for Crookhaven is set to kick off in Northern Ireland come May, with its premiere slated for next year. Author J. J. Arcanjo couldn't contain his excitement about the upcoming series, reports Wales Online. He expressed: "I have always aimed to excite and inspire the young readers who pick up my books, but also the parents and grandparents who journey with them to my worlds and the TV series aligns perfectly with that. "Together with BBC Children's and Education we have created a fun family show filled with humour, heart and plenty of clever twists. I cannot wait for Gabriel Avery and his crew of kind-hearted crooks to be brought to life and introduced to TV audiences around the world." The author excitedly announced on social media that he had been holding onto this thrilling news for over two years, eager to finally share it with his fans. The announcement of the TV adaptation was met with an outpouring of support and excitement from his followers. One fan exclaimed: "Amazing! Congratulations." Another eagerly posted: "Amazing news!!!! Wow, the casting is going to be tricky to get just right, though, because your characters live and breathe on the page." Details about the cast of the upcoming BBC show remain under wraps, but the author has teased that casting decisions have been made, with more updates expected soon.


Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC announces new series from Death in Paradise writer with 'twists and turns'
BBC announces new series from Death in Paradise writer with 'twists and turns' This week the BBC revealed a new series is set to air on the broadcaster basked on a popular novel series. The BBC has revealed an "action-packed" eight-part adaptation of J. J. Arcanjo's popular novel series, and it promises to be thrilling. Death in Paradise writer Justin Young is behind the upcoming series titled Crookhaven. It's been described as a "coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns". Crookhaven will follow a group of high-achieving young crooks at a secret school who are trained to use their skills in "deception" and "crimnastics" for good. A synopsis for the show reads: "Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his archrival, headmaster's daughter Penelope, the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they compete for the coveted Crooked Cup. BBC announces new series from Death in Paradise writer with 'twists and turns' (Image: (Image: BBC) ) "In a school where every teacher is a crook and traitors lurk around every corner, no-one is entirely who they seem to be as the gang uncover the dark secrets that link Penelope's missing mother with Gabriel's own mysterious past and confront a terrifying enemy - The Nameless. Article continues below "A coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns, Crookhaven is about finding your place in the world, learning who you can trust and the very nature of right and wrong." Filming for Crookhaven will begin in May in Northern Ireland, with its debut expected to be next year. Crookhaven is expected to air in 2026 Speaking about the upcoming series, author J.J. Arcanjo had nothing but excitement. He said: 'I have always aimed to excite and inspire the young readers who pick up my books, but also the parents and grandparents who journey with them to my worlds and the TV series aligns perfectly with that. "Together with BBC Children's and Education we have created a fun family show filled with humour, heart and plenty of clever twists. I cannot wait for Gabriel Avery and his crew of kind-hearted crooks to be brought to life and introduced to TV audiences around the world.' The author shared the news on social media this week, admitting he's waited over two years to share the news with his followers. It wasn't long before people commented on the TV adaptation news, with many thrilled for him. The author took to Twitter to share the news with his followers One person commented: "Amazing! Congratulations." Someone else wrote: "Amazing news!!!! Wow, the casting is going to be tricky to get just right, though, because your characters live and breathe on the page." Another fan tweeted: "Congratulations [sic] wonderful news and what a series it'll be." With another adding: "Cannot wait!! This is wonderful news." It's not yet known who will be appearing in the BBC show, although the author revealed the casting has been done with another announcement on the horizon. Article continues below Crookhaven is expected to air next year


BBC News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Cinderella revealed as this year's CBeebies panto, set to be recorded in Bradford as part of 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations
CBeebies reveals this year's panto as Cinderella to be recorded in Bradford as it celebrates its year as 2025 UK City of Culture. Families in Bradford will have the chance to see their favourite CBeebies stars on stage in a brand-new musical version of the much-loved tale at the Alhambra Theatre in October. Tickets go on sale at 10am today (Friday 2 May) via the Alhambra Theatre website. The performances in October will be filmed and the resulting programme will be broadcast as the centrepiece of this year's CBeebies Christmas schedule. Full of catchy songs, dancing and pantomime fun for all the family, this unique adaptation of the traditional story will feature original songs and music. More details on the recording, including cast, will be released in the summer. Kate Morton, CBeebies Senior Head of Commissioning for BBC Children's and Education says: 'The CBeebies panto has become a must-see event for many families since it started in 2009 and in that time, CBeebies' cast of much-loved personalities have played to packed houses all across the UK. Bradford will be the perfect setting for this beautifully staged show and we can't wait to bring Cinderella to life in a way that only CBeebies can do.' CBeebies Presents: Cinderella is a BBC Studios Kids & Family production. CBeebies incredible stage shows from previous years are available to watch on BBC iPlayer. HH


The Independent
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Blue Peter to air with ‘digital-first magazine format' from new studio
Blue Peter will begin airing from a new studio as the long-running children's show shifts to a 'digital-first magazine format'. Changes already announced include the BBC saying in March it had decided to stop future live episodes 'as viewing habits change'. The programme continues to be broadcast on CBBC, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. From September, one of the world's longest-running children's TV shows will reveal a new look and format as it shifts to Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios in Manchester. The Blue Peter Garden in Media City, and the garden at RHS Bridgewater, will continue to be used for filming, and remain part of the Blue Peter output. Ellen Evans, editor of Blue Peter, said: 'As the longest-running children's TV show in the world, Blue Peter holds a unique place in the hearts of multiple generations. 'The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to encourage and inspire children to be curious, adventurous, and imaginative. 'Kids, celebrities, parents, and grandparents know what the Blue Peter badge means; that you have tried your best, done something to be proud of, made something, most importantly, you have earned it.' The BBC promised that children are 'set to enjoy the new creative studio space and digital-first magazine format' with 'spontaneous moments and unscripted surprises' staying part of the programme. The corporation promised the 'core elements' such as badges, challenges, etc will continue, and the changes will bring a 'dynamic, interactive, and engaging viewing experience'. The production team and post-production remains at Media City in Salford, where BBC Children's and Education is based, and BBC Studios continues to produce the show. Sarah Muller, senior head of children's commissioning for seven plus, at BBC Children's and Education, said: 'Blue Peter is such an iconic part of children's television, and we're evolving the show with innovative ways that will be really exciting for our young audience. 'The move to the new studio will provide a variety of creative locations and visual options that a whole new generation of viewers will love. 'Whether through interactive social media moments, global adventures, or on-demand content. We're proud to continue the legacy of a show that has inspired generations, and we can't wait to show audiences our new look in September.' Following former Blue Peter presenters Richard Bacon and Simon Thomas expressing their upset at the programme moving away from real-time TV, a BBC spokeswoman said in March that the series has been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades, and it has decided to stop future live episodes 'as viewing habits change'. It began airing on October 16 1958 with its intrepid presenters and characterful pets. During the more than 60-year history, the series has given its Blue Badges to the King and Queen the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as actors Olivia Colman and David Tennant. The current line-up of Blue Peter presenters includes Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Blue Peter to air with ‘digital-first magazine format' from new studio
Blue Peter will begin airing from a new studio as the long-running children's show shifts to a 'digital-first magazine format'. Changes already announced include the BBC saying in March it had decided to stop future live episodes 'as viewing habits change'. The programme continues to be broadcast on CBBC, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. From September, one of the world's longest-running children's TV shows will reveal a new look and format as it shifts to Campfield Facilities at Versa Studios in Manchester. The Blue Peter Garden in Media City, and the garden at RHS Bridgewater, will continue to be used for filming, and remain part of the Blue Peter output. Ellen Evans, editor of Blue Peter, said: 'As the longest-running children's TV show in the world, Blue Peter holds a unique place in the hearts of multiple generations. 'The show's enduring appeal lies in its ability to encourage and inspire children to be curious, adventurous, and imaginative. 'Kids, celebrities, parents, and grandparents know what the Blue Peter badge means; that you have tried your best, done something to be proud of, made something, most importantly, you have earned it.' The BBC promised that children are 'set to enjoy the new creative studio space and digital-first magazine format' with 'spontaneous moments and unscripted surprises' staying part of the programme. The corporation promised the 'core elements' such as badges, challenges, etc will continue, and the changes will bring a 'dynamic, interactive, and engaging viewing experience'. The production team and post-production remains at Media City in Salford, where BBC Children's and Education is based, and BBC Studios continues to produce the show. Sarah Muller, senior head of children's commissioning for seven plus, at BBC Children's and Education, said: 'Blue Peter is such an iconic part of children's television, and we're evolving the show with innovative ways that will be really exciting for our young audience. 'The move to the new studio will provide a variety of creative locations and visual options that a whole new generation of viewers will love. 'Whether through interactive social media moments, global adventures, or on-demand content. We're proud to continue the legacy of a show that has inspired generations, and we can't wait to show audiences our new look in September.' Following former Blue Peter presenters Richard Bacon and Simon Thomas expressing their upset at the programme moving away from real-time TV, a BBC spokeswoman said in March that the series has been a mix of live and pre-recorded shows for decades, and it has decided to stop future live episodes 'as viewing habits change'. It began airing on October 16 1958 with its intrepid presenters and characterful pets. During the more than 60-year history, the series has given its Blue Badges to the King and Queen the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as actors Olivia Colman and David Tennant. The current line-up of Blue Peter presenters includes Shini Muthukrishnan, Joel Mawhinney and Abby Cook.