New Series Toy Licensee

BBC Worldwide has appointed Character Options as the Master Toy Licensee for the brand new series of Doctor Who.

Already in production, the new series (13 x 45minutes), which is written and executive produced by Russell T Davies, and stars Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose, is scheduled for transmission on BBC ONE in 2005.

The special effects have been created by Oscar«-winning visual effects house The Mill and bring the world's longest running sci-fi series into the 21 st century.

Travelling through time and space, the new series sees the Doctor and Rose come face to face with a number of new and exciting monsters - as well as battling with the Doctor's arch-enemy: the Daleks!

Jon Diver, of Character Options, said: "We are delighted with the appointment, and will be producing an innovative range of products to complement the heritage of this property. The footage that we have seen to date is simply awesome".

Richard Hollis, Head of Licensing BBC Worldwide, commented: "We are excited to be working with such a strong toy partner, and one who has had such success with technological and robotic toys".

Shipment to trade will be October 2005 with further product development in Spring 2006. Initially product will focus on gift and novelty lines which will include Radio Control Daleks and Doctor's Electronic Sonic Screwdriver.

Publishing for the new series includes audio products and ranges from BBC Books and BBC Children's Books, due for release in 2005

Notes to editors:

Character Options is a manufacturer, designer, distributor, and marketeer of toys, gifts and games, with sales primarily within the UK, and internationally through its distribution network. Character Options is part of the Character Group Plc.