Viacom's Nickelodeon commissions new Paddington animation series for preschoolers to broadcast from 2020.

Viacom's Nickelodeon (DStv 305), in conjunction with StudioCanal and producer David Heyman commissioned a brand-new Paddington (working title) TV series for preschoolers that will be broadcast on Nickelodeon worldwide from 2020.

Actor Ben Whishaw who did the voice of the Paddington bear in the first two movies, will reprise his role as the beloved voice of the title character in the new CG-animated series, which follows the adventures of a younger Paddington.

Fully animated in 3D, the new Paddington series will revolve around a younger Paddington writing to Aunt Lucy from Windsor Gardens.

Each episode will open and close with Paddington's letters as he tells Aunt Lucy what he has learned about life through the day's new exciting adventure. The series will invite a new generation of fans into Paddington's world full of heart, kindness, slapstick humour, fun and generosity.

Paddington, currently in production, is a Heyday Films and StudioCanal production in association with Copyrights.

David Heyman, executive producer, says "It is a joy to bring this uniquely life-enhancing bear to a whole new audience of younger children. We are thrilled that the inimitably brilliant Ben Whishaw will continue to voice Paddington."

"And we are excited to be collaborating with the vibrant and dynamic animation team at Blue Zoo, working from scripts by the wonderfully talented screenwriting team Foster and Lamont. With producers Karen Davidsen and Simon Quinn, we're all set for a glorious new chapter for Paddington."

Didier Lupfer, StudioCanal CEO, says "Paddington is such a beloved character for all of us at StudioCanal. We are incredibly happy to be back in his world introducing new generations to his kindness, generosity and spirit".

"We are inspired by the talented animation team at Blue Zoo partnering once again with our friends at Heyday. Foster and Lamont's writing is so beautifully crafted we can't wait for Nickelodeon and our local broadcast partners to premiere the series."

Layla Lewis, the senior vice president for global acquisitions and content partnerships at Nickelodeon, says "We can't wait to welcome Paddington, one of the world's most beloved characters, to our global Nickelodeon family with a series that will take him on fun and exciting new adventures, while staying true to his original heartfelt charm and spirit".