ITV has acquired 2D-animated kids series Badjelly for U.K. audiences.

The 13 x 22-minute series is based on Irish writer and comedian Spike Milligan’s book Badjelly the Witch: A Fairy Story. It is produced by New Zealand’s Mukpuddy Animation, Dublin-based Cantilever Media and Toronto- and Montreal-based Sphere Media.

The deal was signed with Toronto’s WildBrain, which holds global distribution rights outside of Australia and New Zealand.

The series is produced in association with the Te Puna Kairangi Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund, NZ On Air and UK Global Screen Fund.

Badjelly follows two children who go searching for their cow after it is kidnapped, only to stumble upon many magical creatures. It stars Miriam Margolyes, Rhys Darby, Ava Diakhaby and Malachi Hall.

WildBrain’s Family Channel and New Zealand-based broadcaster TVNZ commissioned Badjelly in November 2023. The series debuted on Family Channel in Canada on Jan. 12. It will make its U.K. debut this fall.

“ITV is the perfect partner to introduce — or reintroduce — the world of Badjelly to U.K. audiences,” said Kate Wilson, WildBrain’s VP, global sales and acquisitions, in a statement.

Image courtesy of WildBrain