Enid Blyton’s classic book series, Malory Towers, is being adapted into a 13-part drama for CBBC.
The 13 x 30’ live-action series, set in the 1940s on the sun-drenched cliffs of the Cornish coast, following the adventures of 12-year-old Darrell Rivers as she leaves home for the first time to attend an all-girls’ boarding school.
It’s been given a contemporary twist and will tell the story of universal experiences such as shifting cliques, FOMO, bullying, crushes, peer pressure, and self-doubt.
The series has been commissioned by Head of Content BBC Children’s, Cheryl Taylor, in association with DHX Media’s Family Channel in Canada. It is being made by King Bert Productions and DHX Media, and is adapted for television by Rachel Flowerday and Sasha Hails. Executive Producers for DHX Media are Josh Scherba, Anne Loi and Michael Goldsmith, with Jo Sargent serving as Executive Producer for King Bert Productions. Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Amy Buscombe.
Cheryl Taylor, Head of Content for BBC Children’s, said: “Malory Towers remains hugely popular with fans of all ages and we’re delighted to welcome mischievous Darrell Rivers and her pals to CBBC.”
Other commissions announced for CBBC include The Dengineers, from BBC Children’s In-house Productions, which returns with new spin off episodes The GarDengineers, in which green-fingered experts help children create special places in their gardens. Also returning is The Dumping Ground, which has been commissioned for another two series.
Brand new for younger viewers on CBeebies is Number One Newton Avenue, a 10 x 7’ maths series about how children encounter maths in their daily lives. The live-action series has been developed by BBC Children’s In-House Productions and Genre Lead for Children’s In-House Productions is Vanessa Amberleigh.
Other returning series commissioned from BBC Children’s In-house Productions include Justin’s House and two series of the hit pre-school drama, Molly and Mack. Also new for CBeebies is Andy and the Band, a 15 x 15’ series starring Andy Day.
Day is also presenting an epic new 30-part series, Andy’s Aquatic Adventures for CBeebies, produced by BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit in Bristol.
Other new CBeebies shows include Let’s Go for A Walk, Hushabye Lullabye and a fourth series of Maddie’s Do You Know?.
