BBC Children’s & Education is kicking off 2026 with an exciting array of new content for children and families, delivering programs from its CBeebies, CBBC, and BBC Bitesize collections to communities across the UK, online, and in schools. Among the highly anticipated announcements is the debut of ‘Duck and Frog,’ the inaugural project from the BBC Ignite original animation program.
Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s & Education, stated, “We are continuously enhancing our offerings to children, parents, and educators to ensure that the BBC remains a vital resource for young audiences in the UK and beyond. Our goal is to provide trusted, inclusive, and accessible public service content that entertains, informs, and supports children in their learning journey, no matter where they are.”
Created by animator Sam Shaw from Bristol and produced by Sun & Moon, ‘Duck and Frog’ is a slapstick comedy aimed at viewers aged 7–12. With a backdrop of contemporary British life, the series infuses its storyline with energetic, whimsical humour. It will be available on BBC iPlayer starting Friday, February 13, and will debut on CBBC on Monday, February 16.
Fans of animation can also anticipate a wealth of homegrown talent emerging, as the BBC Ignite initiative progresses seven new animated projects into their final development stage. Since its inception in 2021, BBC Ignite aims to discover the UK’sUK’s next outstanding animation creators. Selected participants receive financial backing and support to collaboratively develop their concepts with BBC Children’s & Education.
In this second cycle of the program, designed to foster original ideas and support early-stage development through potential commissioning, the seven chosen projects are now advancing to Stage Three. This phase involves refining creative concepts and producing proof-of-concept materials in collaboration with prominent production partners.
Confirmed collaborators include Blink Industries, Passion Pictures, Triggerfish Entertainment UK, Rumpus Animation, JAM Media, Mackinnon & Saunders, and A Productions, all dedicated to nurturing original stories and dynamic new voices for young audiences.
