Christmas is coming and the Stig is getting stuffed. Actually its just a doll version but the message is still very much the same.
I’m still not 100% certain of the timing of the start of series 12 of Top Gear – it’s either at the end of this month or the very start of next – either way it will finish near Christmas.
On the flip side the timing of a new licensing partnership between BBC Worldwide and Wow! Stuff that will see a range of new TopGear toys released by Autumn 09 – is well planned.
The deal will see a doll of the The Stig made as well as other toys, gifts and gadgets for the already very well milked hit show.
But I would rather this than advertising. It’s better that the BBC fill any funding gap, and help keep the licence fee low by selling fringe marketing materials for its hit shows – than demand to carry advertising or go subscription based.
Initial product line plans include remote control cars, novelty gifts, desk top toys and a hotly anticipated doll of the Stig – all due to hit retailers in Autumn 2009.
Other new deals include a toy and game range for Marks & Spencer licensing to Peter Black Holdings, which will hit shops this October.
Apparently there is also a deal with Kinnerton Confectionary that will include celebration cakes (from January 2009) and childrens lunch bags/water bottles.
What this really proves though – other than the fact that JC has clearly and obviously just signed a new deal giving him more of the TG Wordlwide profits – is how many kids actually watch the show.
I know I sit down every Sunday and watch it with my five year old lad.
I guess we can now look forward to ‘the amazing adventures of Stiiiiig’ on CBBC within the next six months.
Ryan Morrison is a geek, journalist and someone obsess with media, technology and geek culture. He writes for the BBC in Jersey on any subject that falls on his desk and presents a show about the islands music scene. He has been blogging for six years.