Toy firm Character Options has renewed its deal with BBC Worldwide as UK master toy licensee for long-running sci-fi series Doctor Who, following the announcement that Jodie Whittaker would take up the iconic role, as the first ever female Doctor.
“We are very happy that Character Options will continue to be the lead licensee for our Doctor Who merchandise,” commented Rikesh Desai, licensing director for merchandise and gaming, BBC Worldwide. “Their products excite and delight UK fans and we are looking forward to working closely with them over the tenure of new show runner Chris Chibnall and the adventures of Jodie Whittaker as the new Doctor,” he added.
Jon Diver, group managing director at Character added: “We are delighted to re-confirm the Master Toy License for Doctor Who with BBC Worldwide which has been one of Character Options’s key brands for over ten years. The global and loyal following for whom the ownership of toys is essential, complemented with the regeneration of the Thirteenth Doctor and Chris Chibnall being the new producer for series 11, we can be sure of an exciting few years ahead!”
Toy licensee, Character Options has held the master toy licence of Doctor Who since the show’s 2005 re-launch.
In the last twelve years, the partnership has seen over 10 million action figures and almost 5 million sonic screwdrivers sold.
The deal will see a development of new products that will feature the Twelfth Doctor and Peter Capaldi.
The new items are expected to hit the shops later this year with products of Thirteeth Doctor becoming available in autumn 2018.
