Zog CBeebies series: BBC confirms Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book about dragons to get own show

Beloved children's book character Zog is set to get his own series, the BBC has confirmed. The dragon, who has featured in two books by author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler, is to be voiced by actor Samson Kayo, who said he is “very excited” to be bringing the character to life for the series.

The animated CBeebies show will be based on the popular books, which tell the story of the enthusiastic but accident-prone dragon. As well as the original Zog book, the dragon also featured in a follow-up - Zog and the Flying Doctors - with the series set to continue the story.

Award-winning Kayo, 34, will be joined by voice actors including Patsy Ferran and Will Merrick in the series, which tells the tale of a flying doctor trio treating creatures for their ailments. Kayo, who is best known for creating and starring in paramedic sitcom Bloods, said: “I’m very excited to be voicing Zog and working on a project created by the great Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

“With my first aid training and my role as a paramedic on Bloods, I feel uniquely qualified to become part of the flying doctors team – although I’ve never been asked to treat a unicorn with anxiety or an acute attack of the giggles before. Exciting times ahead. Let’s go Zog.”

The new comedy is based on the best-selling children’s books Zog and its sequel, Zog And The Flying Doctors, written by Donaldson and illustrated by Scheffler. The BBC has previously adapted the much-loved books into half-hour animated TV specials, which were both narrated by Sir Lenny Henry and aired on Christmas Day in 2018 and 2020.

The new series, which is due to launch this spring, will build on the adventures of the flying doctor trio and is made by Bafta-winning production company Magic Light Pictures.

Spanish-British actress Ferran, who starred in the TV specials as doctor princess Pearl, will reprise her role for the show and has hailed this as a “great honour”. She said: “I feel privileged to get to voice the delightful Doctor Princess Pearl.

“I recently overheard a young girl telling her mother she wanted to dress as Pearl for World Book Day and I was so delighted that the specials and books of Zog are already working their charm on our audience. It has been an utter joy to work with the wonderful team at Magic Light Pictures, and I cannot wait for people to experience the magic that they have created.”

Merrick, who recently starred in sport blockbuster F1, described it as a “total pleasure” to be cast as Sir Gadabout the Great. He said: “He’s taught me a lot about bravery and the importance of listening.

“It’s a beautiful expression of kindness and friendship, and now being a proud godfather, it’s so rewarding to be able to make work that my god kids can enjoy. Although I think they’re expecting to see me on TV dressed up as Gadabout, which is also fun.”