Brian Blessed and Brenda Blethyn for new Disney Cartoon Series

Renowed actors Brian Blessed and Brenda Blethyn are to star in a new Disney Junior aired series, Henry Hugglemonster.

Produced by award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films, the eleven minute story follows the world of Henry Hugglemonster as he guides the preschool audience through the ups and downs of being part of a loving, bustling monster family. The series is directed by Emmy Award winning director Norton Virgien (Rugrats).

The 52 episode series is based on the range of books, I’m a Happy Hugglewug, created by Niamh Sharkey.

Character actor Brian Blessed, best known for roles in shows such as Z Cars, Doctor Who and Blakes 7 is to lend his voice to the production alongside The Buddha of Suburbia, Vera and The Witches actress Brenda Blethyn.

“We are delighted to announce the production of this series, it is great to work with home grown talent like Niamh Sharkey and to bring an original idea like this to a global Disney Junior audience is hugely satisfying for all involved”, “This series will see over 40 additional staff employed full time in Brown Bag Films… an important role to play for Ireland.” said Cathal Gaffney, co-founder and CEO of Brown Bag Films.

Henry Hugglemonster will air in the UK from next month and is expected to be screened in more than 150 countries. Blethyn and Blessed are to be heard in all the English-speaking territories in which Disney Junior broadcast.

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell will play Isabella Roarsome in the cartoon series.

[Reported by Mike Watkins]