Hello!
I hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and are managing to enjoy a well-earned rest (or party!) before the New Year. I have been enjoying time at home with my family which has been lovely after such a busy year! .
This year seems to have flown by, yet when I look back at all the fantastic things that have happened here at CBeebies in that time, I am not sure how we managed to cram it all in! My personal highlight of 2010 was becoming Controller of CBeebies - my dream job and a real privilege to serve our youngest viewers.
We launched some fantastic new shows this year including ZingZillas and Octonauts, which have made a real impact on TV, Online and on the iPlayer. ZingZillas is a musical feast and features some of the best musicians from around the world. We know how well young children respond to music and we are delighted that this series has gone down so well with the audience and that the website is as popular with the children as the TV programme. Octonauts is what I call "an underwater Star Trek for pre schoolers" and has been an instant hit on TV and on the iPlayer. I love it's distinctive design and the humour generated by the team of characters. We will have some new episodes in the New Year and I can't wait to see where Barnacles, Kwazi and Peso go next!
It was great to see the return of I Can Cook, Show Me Show Me, Waybuloo and Mr Maker - especially as Mr Maker got out and about to create and make with his biggest fans - the audience. I joined the production team on location in Manchester and was delighted to see how much the children enjoyed being part of the action. It was an inspiring day and I plan to make more shows which feature the most important people of all - our viewers.
The year ended with a terrific Christmas present - CBeebies was named BAFTA Children's Channel of the Year 2010 and we also won
Best Live Action Programme - Something Special
Best Presenter - Justin Fletcher ( and there will be a brand new show from Justin in Autumn 2011!)
Best Interactive - ZingZillas website
Best Pre School Animation - Timmy Time
2011 will be an exciting and challenging year for BBC Children's Department as we move to our new home in Salford Quays and we look forward to making new friends and hosting some special events in our new buildings by the Canal. We have some great new shows coming very early next year. Look out for Little Charley Bear, Rastamouse, Mr Bloom's Nursery, Dip Dap and new series' of Gigglebiz, Nuzzle and Scratch, Grandpa in my Pocket and Kerwhizz.
I do hope that you and your children continue to enjoy all things CBeebies and do let me know what you have enjoyed most on CBeebies this year - we love to hear from you.
I wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Kay
