Cologne-. WDR mediagroup (WDRmg) in Cologne has licensed Gigglebug Entertainment’s Finnish kids’ programme, Gigglebug, to Channel 5’s popular pre-school block Milkshake! Gigglebug.

The British broadcaster is betting on its international success and popularity in the online world and will stream the first five episodes of the series on Milkshake!’s first ever YouTube channel with two new episodes released every week.

“Gigglebug is just hilarious and we are so happy to be able to share it with the Milkshake! Audience,” said Sarah Muller, Head of Children’s Channel 5. “The Milkshake! YouTube channel should provide an ideal platform for the property as UK families can enjoy episodes of this unique series.”

Gigglebug, the heartfelt and infectious series for pre-schoolers, consists of two seasons with 52 five-minute episodes. Produced by Gigglebug Entertainment, it was originally commissioned by YLE in Finland and SRF in Switzerland, and is already on air in numerous other European territories.As an app, Gigglebug has long been an international hit, as the protagonist of a TV-series, he is a star on the rise. Now the little forest creature with the infectious laugh is coming to the UK for the first time.

Gigglebug promises to get kids and families laughing together, highlighting the healing power of laughter and how positive thinking helps children learn better. Set in the enchanted Greengown Forest, Gigglebug shows his sometimes grumpy animal friends that you can achieve anything you set out to do if you have an optimistic outlook. With more than 1,000,000 downloads, the “Gigglebug“apps have topped the preschool app charts in 64 countries.

Stefanie Fischer, Head of Content at WDRmg, says: “Starting a new YouTube channel with Gigglebug fits perfectly to the brand, as it originated in the digital world. This kind of distribution by Channel 5 is a great opportunity for the series to expand on the existing fan base in the English-speaking territories.”

Anttu Harlin, CEO and Producer at Gigglebug Entertainment, says: “We’re thrilled to bring the utterly positive world of Gigglebug to the UK. At its heart, Gigglebug began as a digital brand, so we can’t think of a better UK home than the exciting new Milkshake! Online channels. It’s already become a firm family favourite across Finland 2/3 and we have no doubt that kids and families across the UK will also fall in love with the show and share magical moments of giggles.”