A Lancaster University Senior Lecturer has written for the new CBeebies TV series, Zog.
The episode, penned by Dr Tajinder Singh Hayer, a lecturer in Creative Writing, has just gone live on BBC iPlayer.
Based on the award-winning films ‘Zog’ and ‘Zog and the Flying Doctors’ and books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, BBC Children's and Education and Magic Light Pictures present this brand-new CGI animated comedy adventure series for pre-school audiences.
Zog, which features an array of colourful characters and which centres on caring for yourself, for others and for the weird and wonderful world around you, is commissioned by BBC Children's and Education for CBeebies and BBC iPlayer alongside German public broadcaster ZDF, with the support of Creative Scotland.
Dr Hayer was invited to write the episode entitled ‘The Great Gnome Games’ by Magic Light Pictures after they came across his previous work for CBeebies (NumTums) and his stage writing (The Cyclops for the National Theatre/Doncaster Cast in 2023).
The episode features the comically grouchy Gnanna Gnome as she is coached by Zog, a lovable orange dragon, and the Flying Doctors for the upcoming Great Gnome Games. It explores healthy eating, exercise and ageing for young audiences.
“It was huge fun writing this episode,” said Dr Hayer. “Magic Light take a huge amount of care in how they approach their animation work and were lovely to work with.
“I’ve taken a lot back to my students as consequence of seeing how they approach the expansion of the original text.”
Hugely popular on the BBC and around the world, the films have amassed more than 30 million views on BBC iPlayer and sold to more than 100 territories globally, becoming much loved family favourites that bring audiences together across generations.
Kate Morton, the Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 0-6 for CBeebies at BBC Children’s and Education, said: “This delightful new adventure marks the first full series on CBeebies from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, building on the much-loved specials families return to each year.
“We’ve expanded Zog’s universe with fresh characters, new locations and original storylines, and created a series that sparks imagination, encourages playful learning, and gives families something they can enjoy watching together. The heart of what CBeebies is all about.”
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