Shaun the Sheep is back for a new series of the stop motion animation, with more madcap adventures from Shaun and the flock as the character elebrates their 30-year Anniversary
The family favourite launches with a double episode ‘Shirleyverse’ on CBBC and BBC One at 3.30pm on Saturday 24 May, a heartwarming tale about learning to value a friend. Everything Shaun knows and loves comes into question, when he impulsively wishes away his pal Bitzer the dog. The new series is available to watch on BBC iPlayer from Saturday 24 May.
Shaun the Sheep follows the exploits of Shaun, the long-suffering, loyal sheepdog Bitzer and the flock at Mossy Bottom Farm. It features classic Shaun the Sheep scenarios – relatable, everyday situations with a rural twist – spun into comedy gold by the flock.
Vocal effects are by CBeebies star Justin Fletcher (Shaun the Sheep, Timmy, the Pigs and Mowermouth) and comedian and actor John Sparkes (Farmer, Bitzer and Bitzer’s Dad), with a theme tune sung by Vic Reeves.
Director of BBC Children’s & Education, Patricia Hidalgo, says: “We’re so proud of our longstanding relationship with Aardman, supporting British animation and bringing families more Shaun the Sheep adventures. As you would expect, the new episodes are brilliantly characterised and full of British humour, as we celebrate this very special anniversary year by bringing audiences together to be entertained by Shaun and his pals.”
Chief Creative Director at Aardman, Sarah Cox adds: “It’s a real joy to be marking Shaun the Sheep’s 30th anniversary with brand-new episodes on the BBC — our longtime creative partner. This new series continues to celebrate Shaun and the flock’s unique blend of warm and witty mischief through visual storytelling that aims to entertain all ages.”
In celebration of the anniversary and as part of the special TV event, BBC One and CBBC will also air Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, Aardman’s Academy Award-winning film which first introduced the character Shaun the Sheep to audiences in 1995 (3pm, Saturday 24 May, BBC One and CBBC).
The Shaun the Sheep double episode at 3.30pm is followed by the most recent Wallace & Gromit film, Vengeance Most Fowl (3.45pm, Saturday 24 May, BBC One) which became the most-watched programme in the UK over Christmas.
