Disney Junior U.K. will premiere the much-anticipated preschool series Henry Hugglemonster on February 8, reports Digital Spy. The 52 x 11-minute CG-animated toon, which was formerly called The Happy Hugglemonsters is produced by Disney’s London-based outfit, in partnership with Irish animation powerhouse Brown Bag Films.
Based on Irish children’s author and illustrator Niamh Sharkey’s popular book I’m a Happy Hugglewug (Walker Books), the colorful show centers on the life and adventures of a five-year-old middle child monster Henry, his older brother and sister Cobby and Summer, baby brother Ivor, Mama, Daddo, Nanoh and Grandoh. The British voice cast includes A-list thesps such as Brenda Blethyn and Brian Blessed, and even includes a guest turn by Ginger Spice Geri Halliwell as a monster pop star.
Exec produced by Disney Junior EMEA’s VP of production Beth Gardiner (Jungle Junction, Little Einsteins), the show is directed by Norton Virgien (Doc McStuffins, Rugrats), written by Sascha Paladino (Wonder Pets) and produced by Gillian Higgins (Octonauts).
Henry Hugglemonster will premiere on Disney Junior in the U.S. in April, and then debut in over 150 international territories in 2013.
