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Following the announcement that Matt Smith will fill the shoes of one of British TV's most coveted roles, Â鶹Éç Worldwide today confirmed Doctor Who as one of its priority licensing brands through 2009, Series 5 in 2010 and beyond.

The Â鶹Éç's commercial arm has also today announced the renewal and extension of the Doctor Who master toy licence with Character Options. Character, who has held the licence since the new series launched in 2005, will spearhead the development of new product featuring Matt Smith. Â鶹Éç Worldwide will develop new style elements for licensees for Series 5 with product expected to hit retail in Summer 2010.

Neil Ross Russell, Managing Director, Â鶹Éç Worldwide Children's and Licensing said: "We're thrilled about the announcement of Matt Smith as the new Doctor not least because of the opportunities it gives our creative team and licensees. Doctor Who is a long term priority for us as a commercial business and with Matt on board, we will be looking to develop a new style guide with fresh creative elements to inspire our licensing partners."

In 2009, Character and other Doctor Who licensees are committed to a full range of new launches. Highlights include the launch of the Time Squad collectible figures in Spring plus repackaged and revamped Cyberman 'Age of Steel' products in chrome packs to tie in with the Christmas Special. Specials such as the Doctor's book of Impossible Things, Jack's Vortex Manipulator and the Future Sonic Screwdriver will also hit the shops early in 2009.


Anna Kingsley