Hit has also partnered with DHX Media for a new series of Little People, while Mattel has announced a new global content distribution team structure.

Bob the Builder’s new image has been produced at Hit’s UK headquarters with animation provided by Mainframe. The new CG-animated series will be delivered in late 2015.

For the new series, Bob’s world has expanded. All of the show’s core characters return for the new series, with new faces including apprentice Leo, Mayor Maria Madison, young sports club members ‘The Spring City Rockets’ and two new machines, Two Tonne and Tiny.

The voice cast has also been renewed. Bob will now by voiced by film and TV actor Lee Ingleby. Blake Harrison will voice the part of Scoop, while Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt is to perform the voice of Wendy. Actor Jacob Scipio voices Bob’s new apprentice Leo.

Bob the Builder has also been rebranded with a refresh of the show’s logo, featuring a new ‘B’ icon which will appear throughout on items including Bob’s workwear, key power tools, mobile office, tech, home and yard.

Hit Entertainment will produce two series of 52 x 11’ episodes plus 1 x 60’ special due for delivery in 2017. Bob the Builder is currently watched in more than 100 territories and is translated into 45 languages.

Meanwhile, DHX Media has been announced as Hit Entertainment’s animation partner on a brand new CG animated series of Little People. Based on the Fisher-Price Little People brand, the new series is being produced out of Hit’s UK content hub and will feature imaginative and energetic characters that are contemporary and relatable to today’s young children.

The animated pre-school series of 52 x 11’ episodes, planned for release in late 2015, showcases a unique format and emphasises the power that imagination and group play can have on discovery and critical thinking skills.

Mattel has also announced a new global content distribution team structure for its brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, and Fisher-Price brands including Little People. Leading the distribution strategy and direction for the Mattel Global Content Distribution Team will be Edward Catchpole.

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