Gervais takes his 'Flanimals' to ITV

Ricky Gervais' children's book Flanimals is to be adapted into a cartoon for ITV, the broadcaster has announced.

The books, Flanimals and More Flanimals, feature several imaginary creatures devised by the Extras creator, such as Clunge Ambler, Munty Flumple and Grundit. Illustrated by Rob Steen, they are designed to appeal to adults as well as their primary young readership.

The series will comprise six thirty-minute episodes, again promising universal appeal. Two animators previously affiliated with Aardman (Wallace and Gromit) will bring Gervais' creations to life via claymation. Gervais himself will narrate as well as provide some of the characters' voices.

Paul Jackson, ITV's director of entertainment and comedy, said of the venture: "I'm delighted to say that our next big comedy project is going to be Ricky Gervais."