BBC Worldwide has moved to dispel rumours that the end is in sight for its pre-school smash In the Night Garden, following comments reported in the national press yesterday.

Creator Andrew Davenport - who is due to speak at Brand Licensing Europe today (Tuesday 28th) on the secret of its success - was quoted as saying that the BBC will not be commissioning another series of In the Night Garden in The Guardian.

However, Neil Ross Russell, managing director, Children’s Global Brands and Licensed Consumer Products at BBC Worldwide, issued this statement: “The rumoured demise of In the Night Garden has been premature to say the least.

"BBC Worldwide and Ragdoll, with the full support of Kay Benbow, controller of CBeebies, are actually in the process of developing exclusive new content which will see the characters continue in a variety of different formats.”

According to a report in The Guardian, the BBC had only ever intended to make 100 episodes of the show - which was the most expensive children's programme commissioned and co-funded by the BBC.