Doodlebugs launches as part of BBC One's Christmas line-up

Comics including Kayvan Novak, Morgana Robinson,  Spencer Jones and the Cardinal Burns duo are to give voices to everday objects in a new animated sketch show.

Producers of Doodlebugs have added cartoon effects to real-world clips to give the likes of washing machines, wheelie bins, mobility scooters and suitcases a chance to air their views.

The family-friendly comedy series will make its debut on BBC One over Christmas with six 15-minute episodes.

When BBC comedy commissioner Shane Allen ordered a pilot last year, he said: ‘This is one of those wholly original ideas that sounds a bit dodgy on paper, so you need to see it to get how joyfully daft and wonderful it is.'

Other festive comedy highlights on BBC One, most of which have already been revealed are:

• 300 Years of French & Saunders reunites the comedy double act for the first time in a decade.

• Victoria Wood’s legacy is remembered in an extended episode of Our Friend Victoria.

• After last year’s Peter Pan Goes Wrong, the Olivier Award-winning Mischief Theatre Company returns with  A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong.

• Michael McIntyre’s Big Christmas Show returns with performances from Bill Bailey and soul sensation Seal and.

• A return of Tim Vine Travels Through Time for a festive special with guest Emma Bunton as Anne Boleyn.

• Christmas specials of Not Going Out, and Still Open All Hours, and a two-part Mrs Brown’s Boys.

• Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s children’s book The Highway Rat has been animated featuring the voices of  David Tennant, Rob Brydon, Nina Sosanya, Frances de la Tour and Tom Hollander. 

• And Grandpa’s Great Escape has been adapted from David Walliams’ book and starring Tom Courtenay, Jennifer Saunders and Kit Conner.

Published: 28 Nov 2017