Master Toy Licensee in Place for BBC Worldwide’s Deadly 60

LONDON: BBC Worldwide has named Character Options as the master toy licensee for Deadly 60, the CBBC wildlife show presented by Steve Backshall.

A full licensing program is currently under way for the brand, with the first product set to hit retail in time for the holidays. As the master toy licensee in the U.K. and Ireland, Character Options will develop toys and games for the brand over a two year period. Micro Deadlies will launch at retail in spring 2012 and include a 20 blind-bag assortment featuring Backshall and the top deadliest creatures he encounters. Five playsets are also launching into the market. Further product lines in development include construction blocks and block-style mini figures, due in retail January 2012. Playsets and accessories, role-play toys and action figures will also be developed by Character Options.

Guy Lamont, the senior licensing manager at BBC Worldwide, said: “Deadly 60 is a really exciting property for us. The show has captured the imagination of children and families up and down the country and the success of the recently launched trading cards just shows the appetite for program extensions. We’re looking forward to working with Character to develop new ranges to meet the fan demand in time for Christmas and beyond.”
 
Jon Diver, the managing director of Character Options, added: “We are delighted to be the master partner for Deadly 60. In spring 2012 Deadly 60 will become an exciting addition to the Character Building portfolio of licensed construction figures and playsets. The vast scope and excitement of the animal kingdom is highlighted in a dramatic way in every Deadly 60 program, and we will replicate this excitement in our range of construction animals and wildlife environments, bringing something unique, new and innovative to the construction sector. In the autumn we plan to expand the range with action figures, deluxe playsets and role-play items.”