Toikido has announced award-winning singer-songwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor as narrator in the animated series based on its new pre-school IP, PeaKeeBoo.

Sophie, who is best known for hits like Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love), Murder on the Dancefloor, and Take Me Home, will provide her voice as a narrator on the animated series, which is being developed in collaboration with acclaimed global entertainment company, Moonbug Entertainment.

Set deep among the trees of Flower Meadow Wood, PeaKeeBoo is aimed at children aged four and under, and centres around Pea, Kee and Boo, three friends who love hide-and-seek and the wondrous sounds and visuals of nature.

Expected to be a huge hit with pre-schoolers and their families, the PeaKeeBoo animated series is set to launch on YouTube later this year. Its release will build further on Toikido’s plans for the IP, which already include an upcoming video game adaptation for iOS and Android, as well as plush, clothing and books.

PeaKeeBoo is expected to emulate the success of Toikido’s first in-house IP, Piñata Smashlings, the Roblox game and toy range. Much like Piñata Smashlings, PeaKeeBoo will be accompanied by a comprehensive 360 marketing strategy, including a range of ancillary products such as toys, playsets, physical games, apparel and books.

Sophie’s work with Toikido follows the resurgence of her  successful song Murder on the Dancefloor, which recently featured in the critically-acclaimed movie Saltburn and has reached No. 2 in the UK Top 40 as a result – 22 years after originally doing so.

Speaking about her involvement in the series, Sophie said: ‘I’m delighted to be a part of Toikido’s latest IP, the warm, enchanting world of PeaKeeBoo. As a mother of five, I know its themes of nature, play and friendship will really resonate with young, inquisitive children and their parents, who will be watching them take their own first exploratory steps into the world. The series will be filled with colour, sound and kindness, so naturally I’m thrilled to be providing my voice to it. I look forward to everyone joining me, Pea, Kee and Boo deep among the trees of the Flower Meadow Woods.”

Darran Garnham, Toikido’s founder and CEO, added: ‘‘In Sophie, we have found the perfect voice to help sprinkle some extra magic and bring the wonderful adventures of Pea, Kee, Boo and all their friends to life. We can’t wait for children and parents to see the new series when it’s released later in 2024.”