Star Trek legend George Takei joins some of the UK’s best actors for the show, which is due to air on CBeebies in January. 

George Takei (Star Trek, Heroes), Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner, Episodes, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), Javone Prince (The Javone Prince Show, PhoneShop), Sarah Hadland (Miranda. The Job Lot, Bob the Builder), Lewis Macleod (Dead Ringers, Newzoids, Postman Pat), Freya Parker (The Mash Report, Lovesick) and Emma Maclennan (Maleficent 2: Mistress of Evil) will portray Elder Panda, Narrator, Bad Idea Puppy, Tiniest Fluffiest Bunny, Elder Kitten/Dr G Piggles, In-Chicks/Delivery Duckling and Book Cub respectively, while actor, comedian and Beatbox artist, Darren Foreman, will use his vocal skills to bring Love Monster to life.

The 54 x 7’ 2D animated series is based on the best-selling Love Monster series of books by award-winning British author and illustrator, Rachel Bright, and published by HarperCollins Children’s books .

George Takei, who plays Elder Panda, said: “Love Monster celebrates inclusive behaviour and collaboration and that’s also very much my philosophy – we find strength, joy and vitality in diversity coming together. I never imagined myself being a panda but I’ve always enjoyed seeing them, especially the young cubs because they’re so cute. Elder Panda is just an older version of them and is still whimsical, fun-loving and life embracing – I suppose it’s a reflection of my standing in human life.”

Bob Higgins, EVP Content, Kids & Family, Boat Rocker Studios, added: “We are really excited to have such a stellar cast on board. They are the perfect ensemble to bring Fluffytown’s menagerie of inhabitants to life. They bring a wonderful mix of silliness, surprise and sophistication to every episode.”

Boat Rocker Studios will distribute the series and manage the global brand and licensing, excluding China and South East Asia, which will be managed by UYoung. Boat Rocker Studios is currently targeting leading licensees across a range of products/categories.