The Stage

New dramas lined up for CBBC and CBeebies

Published Tuesday 25 November 2008 at 15:00 by Charlotte Ellis

The BBC has commissioned a three-part drama from Trial and Retribution writer Paul Wilmshurst, which is aimed at six to 12-year-olds.

Called Runaway, it will be shown on CBBC and forms part of the channel’s winter and spring line-up.

Other dramas on CBBC include the new comedy drama Half Moon Investigations, based on the book by Eoin Colfer, the author renowned for the Artemis Fowl series, and a new drama called Paradise Cafe, a co-production with Endemol-owned compand Initial.

Meanwhile, CBeebies has also announced its new season’s line-up.

Alongside old favourites Tellytales and comedy sketch show Gigglebox, CBeebies will premiere comedy drama Grandpa in My Pocket.

Created by Mellie Buse and Jan Page, the show explores the relationship between grandchildren and grandparents.

Michael Carrington, controller of CBeebies, said: “We originate over 100 hours of new programming every year for the under-sixes and I’m proud to unveil a season of modern, exciting and fresh shows that blend music, movement and storytelling.”

Richard Deverell, controller of BBC Children’s, said the shows formed “an exciting season” and also revealed that special versions of the iPlayer for CBBC and CBeebies audiences will launch shortly.

He added: “The programmes unveiled today have at their heart the aim to provide fresh, distinctive and uniquely British content that is loved by every child in the UK.”