First Image From BBC Christmas Special THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD

The BBC have an enviable history of quality Christmas programming, particularly when it comes to original animation. Wallace And Gromit have been known to bow on Christmas Day while Christmas-specific offering Robbie The Reindeer turned in two stellar outings before sliding badly the third time out. And in 2009 the Beeb turned to the world of children's books to drive their animated offering, producing the absolutely charming animated version of The Gruffalo as that year's Christmas animation offering. And they're going back to that well this year with The Gruffalo's Child.

One wild and windy night, the Gruffalo's child ignores her father's warnings and bravely tiptoes out into the snow in search of the Big Bad Mouse. She meets Snake, Owl and Fox, but there's no sign of the fabled Mouse. He doesn't really exist ... or does he?

The voice cast for this is absolutely stellar - Helena Bonham Carter, Rob Brydon, Robbie Coltrane, James Corden, Shirley Henderson, John Hurt and Tom Wilkinson are all on board - and that image above pretty much speaks for itself. Hopefully a trailer will arrive soon but this is already one Christmas treat that I'm eagerly awaiting.