Welsh-language pubcaster S4C is teaming up with London’s Hoho Rights, the commercial arm of Hoho Entertainment, to co-produce and distribute its new preschool series Chickpea & Friends.

Based on animal characters from S4C’s existing preschool block Cyw, the 52 x five-minute series is all about discovery, as a group of animal best friends explore the world around them. With 13 episodes already completed, Hoho will bring the series to market at MIP Junior this month.

On top of distribution, Hoho is also handling licensing and merchandising rights worldwide, except in Wales, where S4C is managing an existing range of toys and books. Hoho is also distributing other shows from the channel’s animated catalogue, including Hana’s Helpline, Sali Mali, Gogs, Shakespeare – The Animated Tales and Animated Tales of the World.

Hoho’s portfolio already features one Welsh co-pro; Shane the Chef with Cloth Cat Animation was commissioned by Channel 5’s Milkshake! in 2017.