Character Options Renews Licence Deal

Posted By John Bowman

Character Options has renewed its Doctor Who master toy licensing deal with BBC Worldwide, it was announced this morning.

A report on Toy News Online said that BBC Worldwide had confirmed the renewal and extension of the licence.

Character has held the licence since the show's 2005 relaunch and will lead development of new products featuring Eleventh Doctor Matt Smith.

According to the report, the new items are expected to hit the shops in the summer of 2010. BBC Worldwide will also be developing new style elements for licensees to accompany Series Five.

Neil Ross Russell, the managing director of BBC Worldwide Children's and Licensing, said: "We're thrilled about the announcement of Matt Smith as the new Doctor, not least because of the opportunities it gives our creative team and licensees.

"Doctor Who is a long-term priority for us as a commercial business, and with Matt on board we will be looking to develop a new style guide with fresh creative elements to inspire our licensing partners."

(With thanks to Dave Colville.)