BBC release Christmas idents featuring Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler characters
The BBC announced today that some of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved characters are to be at the centre of their Christmas offering this year.
Premiering on Sunday, 30 November, the series of three brand-new "The Gruffalo and Friends" idents will be broadcast throughout the entire Christmas period.
The idents will showcase some of Macmillan Children’s Books’ most successful titles to millions of viewers during one of the highest-rated television slots of the year.
The animated segments, produced by Magic Light Pictures, feature three distinct animated scenes, each incorporating key figures from Julia and Axel’s works:
- The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child, alongside the much-loved protagonist Stick Man.
- Zog and the Flying Doctors (Zog, Pearl, and Gadabout), appearing with the resourceful Witch from Room on the Broom.
- Harry O’Hay and Betty O’Barley, the scarecrow couple from this year’s animated television special, The Scarecrows’ Wedding.
‘Magic Light have done the BBC proud and created three unforgettable idents that beautifully capture the festive spirit. Featuring a selection of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s most popular characters, I hope they will spread some extra joy and togetherness into homes across the UK.’
— Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer
The Gruffalo first entranced BBC audiences on Christmas Day 2009. Since then, Magic Light Pictures and the BBC have brought to life thirteen award-winning animated specials based on the beloved books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
To view the idents ahead of time, visit the BBC website.
New Gruffalo Picture Book
by Julia Donaldson
All was quiet in the deep dark wood, until . . .
10th September 2026
The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure features the return of much-loved characters and is destined to become a classic.
Get your claws on this brand new Gruffalo story first – pre-order now!
Julia Donaldson said “I really hope that children – and adults too – will enjoy the new story, as I know what a wonderful experience shared reading can be. I was delighted when Axel came on board, and am even more so now that I’ve seen the brilliant sketches he’s already done for the new book.”
Axel Scheffler said “. . . One day out of the blue there came a wonderfully clever and inspired new text by Julia. How does she do this? Could I decline? Of course not! As I have had to draw the odd Gruffalo and his daughter over the last 20 years, I’m not completely out of practice.”
