Comic to star as the animated Winnie the Witch

Katy Brand is set to star in a new animation show for pre-school children.

She will play Winnie the Witch in a new Channel 5 series based on the best-selling books, which is currently in production.

The comic said: 'I am utterly delighted to be giving Winnie the Witch a voice and to help bring her to life. She is funny, flighty and full of the joys of life; always up for an adventure and most importantly, a good laugh, which is why I, and so many others, love her.'

Jessica Symons, head of children’s programmes at Channel 5 said: 'We couldn’t have wished for a better person to play Winnie. Not only is Katy a fan of the books but she also embodies the happiness, optimism and adventurous spirit of the character.

'Katy is going to be a brilliant Winnie and fans of the books as well as those new to the character will love her performance.'

Winnie the Witch, by Valerie Thomas and Korky Paul, was first published in 1987, spawning a series that has so far gone on to sell more than 7 million copies worldwide.

A total of 52 11-minutes episodes – targeted at four to seven-year-olds – will air on Channel 5's Milkshake strand from 2017. The series will be entitled Winnie And Wilbur, to incorporate the name of the witch's cat.

Production house Winduna say their animation style will 'recreate the intricate, rich and lively graphical style of Korky Paul's illustrations' and 'completely preserve the original look of the beloved book series'.

Winnie will be Brand’s first role in an animated series.

Published: 16 Nov 2015