Move over Bob the Builder – new CBeebies kids show Mike the Knight has 26 toy deals in place before a single episode has aired
By Nicola Methven
MEET the new character who is set to delight pre-school TV viewers – and leave their parents groaning as they reach for their wallets.
Mike the Knight doesn’t debut on CBeebies until October 31, but the show has 26 merchandising deals in place already.
Hit Entertainment – which also makes Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam and Thomas the Tank Engine – has sold it all around the world and the toys, clothes, books and magazines hit shops soon.
The animated knight, who teaches kids the value of responsibility and whose motto is “Be a knight, do it right”, is voiced by a 10-year-old. Being Human star Russell Tovey is the voice of his dragon pal Squirt. Tovey, 29, said he was thrilled at the chance of impressing his brother’s kids, Nathan and Mackenzie, six and four. He said: “Mike The Knight could trump Dr Who in terms of credibility with my nephews. I could see it becoming a hit in the playground.”
Hit Entertainment thinks Mike could be its biggest brand. An insider said: “Mike looks set to be a great success.”
In the show, Squirt and another dragon called Sparkie help Mike tackle Vikings and trolls in the kingdom of Glendragon. Creator Alexander Bar was inspired by BBC1’s Merlin. He said: “There wasn’t a show that catered for pre-schoolers’ fascination with all things castles, dragons, magic and adventure.”
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