Key Benbow, the influential former Controller of BBC preschool channel CBeebies, has died.
Several of her former colleagues have taken to social media to post tributes to Benbow, who is considered among the most important and successful BBC children’s TV executives of recent times.
CBeebies won the BAFTA Channel of the Year award five times and Rts Channel of the Year during her tenure and commissioned numerous shows that remain on air today, including the annual Christmas live show.
“Kay was a legendary leader of CBeebies and affectionately known as the Queen of Beebies by some of those still within BBC Children’s, several years after her departure,” wrote Stuart Rowson, a former BBC Children’s colleague who now runs Lucky Socks Media.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Everyone in the BBC Children’s & Education department is incredibly sad to hear the news that Kay Benbow has passed away. Our most...
Several of her former colleagues have taken to social media to post tributes to Benbow, who is considered among the most important and successful BBC children’s TV executives of recent times.
CBeebies won the BAFTA Channel of the Year award five times and Rts Channel of the Year during her tenure and commissioned numerous shows that remain on air today, including the annual Christmas live show.
“Kay was a legendary leader of CBeebies and affectionately known as the Queen of Beebies by some of those still within BBC Children’s, several years after her departure,” wrote Stuart Rowson, a former BBC Children’s colleague who now runs Lucky Socks Media.
A BBC spokesperson said: “Everyone in the BBC Children’s & Education department is incredibly sad to hear the news that Kay Benbow has passed away. Our most...
- 3/26/2024
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Two new child actors are set to star in Apple Tree House, a brand new 30-part drama series set around an inner-city estate bursting with life, coning to CBeebies. Aamir Tai will star as Mali, an ordinary boy who has just moved on to an extraordinary inner city estate, where he meets his new best friend Sam, played by Miranda Sarfo Peprah, the daughter of the estate’s caretaker. Together with their friend Bella, played by 7 year old Summer Jenkins, they solve daily problems and overcome childhood dilemmas - all within the safety net of their loving families and the inspirational Apple Tree community that surrounds them.
As well as the two main children the audience will be introduced to a wealth of diverse and supportive characters, including Mali’s grandma Zainab (Shaheen Khan) and Sam’s father Kobi (William Vanderpuye), plus a host of other family members, friends and neighbours,...
As well as the two main children the audience will be introduced to a wealth of diverse and supportive characters, including Mali’s grandma Zainab (Shaheen Khan) and Sam’s father Kobi (William Vanderpuye), plus a host of other family members, friends and neighbours,...
- 7/1/2016
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Independent production company 7 Wonder has been commissioned to produce a new 25-part series for CBeebies in the UK.
The commission is the production company's for the channel.
Commissioned by CBeebies controller Kay Benbow, 'Do You Know?' will take younger viewers on a journey, to explore how everyday things around them work and are made.
Hosted by technology vlogger Maddie Moate, each episode will see her explore topics such as what happens inside a dishwasher when you close the door.
CBeebies executive producer, Julia Bond, said she was thrilled to be in production on thenew series..
"Do You Know explores the workings of everyday objects all around us," she said..
"By looking at how things work and how things are made, our audience will get an understanding of the world around them from a new perspective..
7 Wonder executive producer, Sarah Trigg, said: "There is nothing out there really that is...
The commission is the production company's for the channel.
Commissioned by CBeebies controller Kay Benbow, 'Do You Know?' will take younger viewers on a journey, to explore how everyday things around them work and are made.
Hosted by technology vlogger Maddie Moate, each episode will see her explore topics such as what happens inside a dishwasher when you close the door.
CBeebies executive producer, Julia Bond, said she was thrilled to be in production on thenew series..
"Do You Know explores the workings of everyday objects all around us," she said..
"By looking at how things work and how things are made, our audience will get an understanding of the world around them from a new perspective..
7 Wonder executive producer, Sarah Trigg, said: "There is nothing out there really that is...
- 11/27/2015
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
Alice Webb has been appointed the new director of BBC Children's.
The current chief operating officer of BBC England will oversee the Salford-based department from late February. She will be responsible for CBeebies and Cbbc.
Former director Joe Godwin previously departed to take charge of the BBC Academy, while CBeebies controller Kay Benbow was made acting director of BBC Children's.
Webb said: "BBC Children's makes the best content for children in the world, and it's a real privilege to be asked to lead such an important part of the BBC, particularly in these fast moving, digital times.
"This is my dream job and I can't wait to get started."
Peter Salmon, Director of BBC England, added: "Alice is a rising industry star who has helped make the BBC and MediaCityUK the fastest growing digital hub in Europe and she brings the same energy, focus and conviction to one of the...
The current chief operating officer of BBC England will oversee the Salford-based department from late February. She will be responsible for CBeebies and Cbbc.
Former director Joe Godwin previously departed to take charge of the BBC Academy, while CBeebies controller Kay Benbow was made acting director of BBC Children's.
Webb said: "BBC Children's makes the best content for children in the world, and it's a real privilege to be asked to lead such an important part of the BBC, particularly in these fast moving, digital times.
"This is my dream job and I can't wait to get started."
Peter Salmon, Director of BBC England, added: "Alice is a rising industry star who has helped make the BBC and MediaCityUK the fastest growing digital hub in Europe and she brings the same energy, focus and conviction to one of the...
- 1/6/2015
- Digital Spy
Elmo and Cookie Monster's new CBeebies puppet show The Furchester Hotel begins later this month (September), the BBC has confirmed.
The Sesame Street pair star alongside brand new characters in the kids' show set in a haphazardly run 'almost world-class' hotel.
The team behind Sesame Street is co-producing the project with the BBC channel. It is aimed at 3-6-year-olds and is filmed at CBeebies' new base at MediaCityUK in Salford, Manchester.
Describing the characters, the BBC wrote: "As guests arrive at the hotel they are greeted by monster owner Funella Furchester, her loving husband, Furgus Fuzz, and their daughter, the unflappable Phoebe Furchester-Fuzz.
"Elmo, Phoebe's cousin who is on an extended visit and Cookie Monster, who has landed his dream job as room service and dining room waiter, join the Furchester family at the hotel. Completing the ensemble is Isabel, a furry bell monster - guests won't get...
The Sesame Street pair star alongside brand new characters in the kids' show set in a haphazardly run 'almost world-class' hotel.
The team behind Sesame Street is co-producing the project with the BBC channel. It is aimed at 3-6-year-olds and is filmed at CBeebies' new base at MediaCityUK in Salford, Manchester.
Describing the characters, the BBC wrote: "As guests arrive at the hotel they are greeted by monster owner Funella Furchester, her loving husband, Furgus Fuzz, and their daughter, the unflappable Phoebe Furchester-Fuzz.
"Elmo, Phoebe's cousin who is on an extended visit and Cookie Monster, who has landed his dream job as room service and dining room waiter, join the Furchester family at the hotel. Completing the ensemble is Isabel, a furry bell monster - guests won't get...
- 9/12/2014
- Digital Spy
The upcoming Danger Mouse reboot may feature female characters who were previously male.
The move is said to fit into the BBC's plans to make female characters more prominent in children's shows, reports The Guardian.
Cbbc will air 52 new episodes of the classic 1980s cartoon in 2015. The original series featured very few female characters.
"Characters that might have been male in the past will now be female characters," Cbbc controller Cheryl Taylor said.
However, she did not specify which characters could see gender swaps.
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow said of the move: "I still feel the default tendency is for there to be a male lead or a male presenter."
The new series will see Danger Mouse and Penfold still stationed at their iconic red post box. However, it will be filled with modern technology, including the title character's eye patch being replaced by a multi-function 'iPatch'.
Sir David Jason...
The move is said to fit into the BBC's plans to make female characters more prominent in children's shows, reports The Guardian.
Cbbc will air 52 new episodes of the classic 1980s cartoon in 2015. The original series featured very few female characters.
"Characters that might have been male in the past will now be female characters," Cbbc controller Cheryl Taylor said.
However, she did not specify which characters could see gender swaps.
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow said of the move: "I still feel the default tendency is for there to be a male lead or a male presenter."
The new series will see Danger Mouse and Penfold still stationed at their iconic red post box. However, it will be filled with modern technology, including the title character's eye patch being replaced by a multi-function 'iPatch'.
Sir David Jason...
- 7/7/2014
- Digital Spy
How likely is the current crop of kids' TV reboots, from Danger Mouse to The Clangers, Morph and more, to harm your childhood memories?
Feature
The period June 9th to 15th 2014 was an unpleasant raid on the collective VHS cassette memory of our youth. Not only did Eric Hill, the creator of Spot the Dog, pass away, but so too did Casey Kasem, who for forty years had been the voice of Scooby-Doo's snack wingman Shaggy. Francis Matthews, the stiff upper lip behind Captain Scarlet's stiff puppet lip, departed to be with a different angel squadron. And before that Earth lost Rik Mayall, who performed the best Jackanory ever. Sorry Prince Charles. He did.
So if you felt a part of your formative years had suddenly melted away like a Funny Feet ice cream abandoned on a see-saw, then that's perfectly normal. It's always sad and strangely personal...
Feature
The period June 9th to 15th 2014 was an unpleasant raid on the collective VHS cassette memory of our youth. Not only did Eric Hill, the creator of Spot the Dog, pass away, but so too did Casey Kasem, who for forty years had been the voice of Scooby-Doo's snack wingman Shaggy. Francis Matthews, the stiff upper lip behind Captain Scarlet's stiff puppet lip, departed to be with a different angel squadron. And before that Earth lost Rik Mayall, who performed the best Jackanory ever. Sorry Prince Charles. He did.
So if you felt a part of your formative years had suddenly melted away like a Funny Feet ice cream abandoned on a see-saw, then that's perfectly normal. It's always sad and strangely personal...
- 6/22/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Teletubbies will return to screens with brand new episodes on CBeebies.
Dhx Media - the producers of the much-loved children's series - have announced that 60 new instalments are entering production, in partnership with UK production company Darrall Macqueen.
The new series will feature the same characters as the original, but the styling will be refreshed in a bid to give the show a "contemporary look".
Kay Benbow, Controller at CBeebies, said: "Teletubbies is an enduringly popular series with our youngest viewers, although no new episodes have been made for over ten years. I think that now is the right time to create new episodes of this much-loved, iconic show for the current CBeebies audience.
"I'm sure they will engage with and delight in the activities of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, in the same way that children and parents did when they first appeared on our screens.
"Darrall...
Dhx Media - the producers of the much-loved children's series - have announced that 60 new instalments are entering production, in partnership with UK production company Darrall Macqueen.
The new series will feature the same characters as the original, but the styling will be refreshed in a bid to give the show a "contemporary look".
Kay Benbow, Controller at CBeebies, said: "Teletubbies is an enduringly popular series with our youngest viewers, although no new episodes have been made for over ten years. I think that now is the right time to create new episodes of this much-loved, iconic show for the current CBeebies audience.
"I'm sure they will engage with and delight in the activities of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, in the same way that children and parents did when they first appeared on our screens.
"Darrall...
- 6/13/2014
- Digital Spy
Mark Rylance has signed up to voice in new CBeebies animation series Bing.
The BAFTA-winning actor and playwright will star as Flop in the family-friendly show, which is based on Ted Dewan's Bing Bunny books.
Rylance said: "I love the energy of young people, as well as the entirety of the team involved who are very true and imaginative and kind, so working on Bing has been a wonderful experience.
"Voicing Flop gave me a second chance to be a good parent. The experience reminded me of many things and people I had forgotten, which was sad sometimes but ultimately very enriching."
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow added: "We can't wait to welcome Bing to CBeebies in June.
"The stories reflect the real lives of our very youngest audience members and their parents and caregivers. It is animated reality TV for toddlers, but done with such care, authenticity, warmth and charm.
The BAFTA-winning actor and playwright will star as Flop in the family-friendly show, which is based on Ted Dewan's Bing Bunny books.
Rylance said: "I love the energy of young people, as well as the entirety of the team involved who are very true and imaginative and kind, so working on Bing has been a wonderful experience.
"Voicing Flop gave me a second chance to be a good parent. The experience reminded me of many things and people I had forgotten, which was sad sometimes but ultimately very enriching."
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow added: "We can't wait to welcome Bing to CBeebies in June.
"The stories reflect the real lives of our very youngest audience members and their parents and caregivers. It is animated reality TV for toddlers, but done with such care, authenticity, warmth and charm.
- 5/27/2014
- Digital Spy
CBeebies is reviving popular children's animation Mouse and Mole for a Christmas special.
The series - based on Joyce Dunbar's Mouse and Mole short stories - was originally adapted for television by Joy Whitby in 1996, with Alan Bennett and the late Richard Briers voicing the title characters.
Bennett and Briers reprise their roles in Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time - which was recorded a few years ago, before the latter passed away in February.
Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton joins the cast as a meddling shrew, who wreaks havoc in the animal's usually peaceful home.
Between them, the three cast members also provide the voices for 14 other characters.
Controller of CBeebies Kay Benbow said: "Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time is a beautiful animated version of one of the popular books by Joyce Dunbar which is perfect family viewing.
"Children will love the gorgeous, playful characters of Mouse...
The series - based on Joyce Dunbar's Mouse and Mole short stories - was originally adapted for television by Joy Whitby in 1996, with Alan Bennett and the late Richard Briers voicing the title characters.
Bennett and Briers reprise their roles in Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time - which was recorded a few years ago, before the latter passed away in February.
Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton joins the cast as a meddling shrew, who wreaks havoc in the animal's usually peaceful home.
Between them, the three cast members also provide the voices for 14 other characters.
Controller of CBeebies Kay Benbow said: "Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time is a beautiful animated version of one of the popular books by Joyce Dunbar which is perfect family viewing.
"Children will love the gorgeous, playful characters of Mouse...
- 11/7/2013
- Digital Spy
Children's TV icons the Clangers are making a comeback on the BBC.
The much-loved animated television show will air its first new episodes in 45 years on CBeebies, it has been announced. CBeebies, Coolabi, Smallfilms and Us 24-hour pre-school network Sprout are teaming up on the project.
The pink, long-nosed, inventive and loveable mouse-shaped creatures will return to screens in 2015 in an ambitious £5 million production, which will be distributed by BBC Worldwide.
Clangers originally aired for two series and 26 episodes between 1969 and 1972 on the BBC. A four-minute election special also aired in October 1974.
The show's popular and surreal characters, who included Major, Mother, Small, and Tiny Clanger, plus the Soup Dragon and The Iron Chicken, will all be returning.
Factory Transmedia (Strange Hill High, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion) and award-winning puppet makers and producers Mackinnon and Saunders (Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr Fox) are charged with reproducing the popular characters for modern audiences.
The much-loved animated television show will air its first new episodes in 45 years on CBeebies, it has been announced. CBeebies, Coolabi, Smallfilms and Us 24-hour pre-school network Sprout are teaming up on the project.
The pink, long-nosed, inventive and loveable mouse-shaped creatures will return to screens in 2015 in an ambitious £5 million production, which will be distributed by BBC Worldwide.
Clangers originally aired for two series and 26 episodes between 1969 and 1972 on the BBC. A four-minute election special also aired in October 1974.
The show's popular and surreal characters, who included Major, Mother, Small, and Tiny Clanger, plus the Soup Dragon and The Iron Chicken, will all be returning.
Factory Transmedia (Strange Hill High, Raa Raa the Noisy Lion) and award-winning puppet makers and producers Mackinnon and Saunders (Corpse Bride, Fantastic Mr Fox) are charged with reproducing the popular characters for modern audiences.
- 10/15/2013
- Digital Spy
A new series Topsy And Tim which draws on the legacy of the famous childrens books by Jean and Gareth Adamson comes to CBeebies this November.
With a focus on big drama inspired by the small stuff in little people’s lives, each episode will feature a vibrant, charming insight into family life from the point of view of 5-year-old twins, Topsy and Tim. Whether it’s washing the car with Dad; learning to ride a bike with Mum; or finding a lost cat, each story is full of warmth, humour and above all authenticity. Topsy And Tim is a series that all families can recognise a part of themselves in.
8 year old Jocelyn McNab (represented by Alphabet Kidz) from Maidstone plays Topsy Odell. Jocelyn has previousl appeared in Bletchley Circle, The Fear and Southclifffe.
Topsy is more gung-ho than Tim and there’s a real zest about her. She...
With a focus on big drama inspired by the small stuff in little people’s lives, each episode will feature a vibrant, charming insight into family life from the point of view of 5-year-old twins, Topsy and Tim. Whether it’s washing the car with Dad; learning to ride a bike with Mum; or finding a lost cat, each story is full of warmth, humour and above all authenticity. Topsy And Tim is a series that all families can recognise a part of themselves in.
8 year old Jocelyn McNab (represented by Alphabet Kidz) from Maidstone plays Topsy Odell. Jocelyn has previousl appeared in Bletchley Circle, The Fear and Southclifffe.
Topsy is more gung-ho than Tim and there’s a real zest about her. She...
- 10/10/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (ScreenTerrier)
- ScreenTerrier
Sesame Workshop and CBeebies have announced new children's programme The Furchester.
Elmo and Cookie Monster will be among the characters of the new CBeebies series, in which a group of "cheerily incompetent" monsters run their own world-class hotel.
The team behind Sesame Street will co-produce the project with the BBC channel for an autumn 2014 debut.
The show will be aimed at preschoolers and will be filmed at CBeebies' new base at MediaCityUK in Salford, Manchester.
"This partnership brings together two dynamic, enduring brands in children's media and we are confident that The Furchester will prove to be a great favourite with children and their parents and caregivers," said Sesame Workshop's H Melvin Ming.
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow said: "The development of The Furchester has been a wonderful meeting of creative minds from both CBeebies In-House Production and Sesame Workshop. I am delighted to commission this unique show for the CBeebies audience.
Elmo and Cookie Monster will be among the characters of the new CBeebies series, in which a group of "cheerily incompetent" monsters run their own world-class hotel.
The team behind Sesame Street will co-produce the project with the BBC channel for an autumn 2014 debut.
The show will be aimed at preschoolers and will be filmed at CBeebies' new base at MediaCityUK in Salford, Manchester.
"This partnership brings together two dynamic, enduring brands in children's media and we are confident that The Furchester will prove to be a great favourite with children and their parents and caregivers," said Sesame Workshop's H Melvin Ming.
CBeebies controller Kay Benbow said: "The development of The Furchester has been a wonderful meeting of creative minds from both CBeebies In-House Production and Sesame Workshop. I am delighted to commission this unique show for the CBeebies audience.
- 10/7/2013
- Digital Spy
Former 'Doctor Who' stars David Tennant and Sophie Aldred are teaming up for a new children's TV programme. The actor - who played the tenth incarnation of the Time Lord from 2005 to 2010 - will voice lead character Tom, a boy with magical powers, in 'Tree Fu Tom'. Sophie, who played the Seventh Doctor's assistant Ace in the 1980s, is to voice his friend Twigs. The CBeebies show will see Tom encourage viewers to help with his magical spells with gentle physical movements as it is aimed at helping the movement development of 4-6 year olds. Kay Benbow, controller of CBeebies, said:...
- 7/29/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
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