BBC Children’s award winning In-House Productions team has landed a new double series, a preschool live action drama commission to adapt the well-known Biff, Chip and Kipper books by Roderick Hunt and Alex Brychta.

Developed by the In-House Scripted Development Team, led by Anna Davies, the 30x11' Biff And Chip series for CBeebies will follow the fun and creative adventures of three young siblings within their vibrant community. Based on the characters from the UK’s best-selling reading scheme, the series features twin brother and sister Biff and Chip, alongside their inquisitive little brother Kipper and dog Floppy, all of whom live together with their parents on a friendly street. When things go wrong (and things often do), family and friends come together to help put everything right again, often in the most unexpected of ways.

First published in book form in 1986 by Oxford University Press, Biff, Chip and Kipper have taught millions of children to read and are frequently ranked in the top ten of children’s favourite characters. The books are used in 80% of the nation’s primary schools and have been read by more than 30 million children since their inception.

BBC Children’s Head of Content, Cheryl Taylor says: “The Biff and Chip books have done a brilliant job of encouraging children to develop a love of reading for many years. We’re delighted that they are bursting out of the classroom and onto the small screen for the first time.”

“We know our audience will love to see their stories played out in exciting live-action adventures, produced by our experts in the In-House Drama team.”

Biff and Chip joins a number of returning and new drama commissions on the Children’s In-House Productions slate, including Princess Mirror-Belle, adapted from the popular Julia Donaldson books.

The In-House team has also just produced a new adaptation of Gillian Cross's The Demon Headmaster (writer Emma Reeves, executive producer Spencer Campbell) for CBBC, along with new series of 4 O’Clock Club, Hetty Feather and The Worst Witch (co-produced with ZDFe). Popular CBeebies drama Molly and Mack is commissioned for two further series, as is CBBC hit The Dumping Ground. Two series of brand new teen drama for BBC iPlayer Get Even (executive producer Lucy Martin, Genre Lead for In-House Drama Production) are in production having been developed by In House Productions from the Gretchen McNeill novels, adapted by Holly Phillips and co-produced with Boatrocker Studios for BBC and Netflix.

For older kids, a brand new factual entertainment commission for the unit will see CBBC embarking on a search for Britain’s Best Young Artist in 2020. The 15x30’ unscripted format follows kids from across the UK as they battle through rounds in pursuit of the title Britain’s Best Young Artist, with the winning artwork displayed in iconic galleries nationwide.

Tense challenge episodes will see contestants asked to create brand new artworks inspired by different locations and experiences each time, under the watchful eye of visiting art masters and resident judges. From Blue Wash to Flash-Glance, they’ll also try out new techniques so viewers can learn along at home. Winners from each episode will make their way through to consequent rounds until they reach the finals. Britain’s Best Young Artist was developed by the In-House Unscripted Development Team, Genre Lead is Annette Williams.

Helen Bullough, Head of BBC Children’s In-House Productions, says: “Art is for everyone and we know our audience love getting creative. We’ve already witnessed extraordinary talents while we have been researching the show. The format will showcase that amazing range of artistic skills young folks already have and we’re testing our contestants' mettle too, as they’re challenged to come up with new masterpieces each time”.