Peppa Pig here to ‘sty’

Peppa Pig owner Entertainment One has announced that it will produce 117 new episodes of the popular children’s TV show.

Production has already begun on the new series, which will bring the total number of shows to 381.

The Canada-based, UK-listed media group has also signed new licensing deals which will extend the global domination of the cartoon character.

Peppa Pig toys are to be launched in Brazil, while licensing in Russia “has accelerated at a significant pace” with 40 partners signed across the toy, games and confectionery categories.

“Peppa Pig’s global appeal continues apace as we bring new content to audiences across the world,” said chief executive Darren Throop.

“With a new series in the pipeline, best-inclass

“Peppa Pig’s global appeal continues apace”

partners and strong marketing and experiential initiatives in each territory, we continue to nurture the long term success of this global preschool phenomenon.”

Entertainment One raked in US$200million (£161million) of Peppa Pig product sales last year, helped by retail licences in America.

Animation studio Astley Baker Davies will produce the new series, which is scheduled to launch in spring 2019 and will secure “a pipeline of Peppa Pig content over the following four years”, the company said in a statement.

Last week Entertainment One revealed that it will take a £47million hit to profits as part of a restructuring programme, transitioning its physical distribution activities towards a “digital content-focused business model”.