BBC cancels 'In The Night Garden'

The creator of In The Night Garden has confirmed that there will be no new series of the BBC's hit children's programme.

Andrew Davenport revealed that the corporation has opted against commissioning a new run of the show, which has become a worldwide hit.

Speaking to The Guardian, Davenport said: "As far as it goes in that format, that's it for Night Garden."

However, he added that the programme may return in "some other types of broadcast", including "TV one-offs".

Narrated by Derek Jacobi, In The Night Garden has gained legions of young fans around the world for its colourful set of characters, including Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka.

After launching in 2007, the programme is now shown in 35 countries, including Spain, Canada and China. It has also sold millions of spinoff DVDs, books and toys.

However, the show was also the most expensive ever commission by BBC Children's at an estimated cost of £14.5 million for 100 half-hour episodes.

Despite the cancellation, repeats of In The Night Garden will continue to run on BBC One and pre-school channel CBeebies.

A BBC spokeswoman said: "CBeebies will continue to show In The Night Garden for many years to come and it remains hugely popular with our audience.

"CBeebies continues to invest more money than ever before in new shows such as the new musical hit ZingZillas."

A live theatre version of In The Night Garden also went on a nationwide tour earlier in the year.