CBeebies’ Series ‘Yakka Dee!’ Returns in January 2019
Skwigly
Yakka Dee! is a TV show that encourages children to talk. The public’s response to the first series has been overwhelming, with many parents claiming the show has helped their children speak for the first time. The series has been especially popular with children with special needs, with some parents claiming that Yakka Dee! has succeeded where professional help from Speech and Language specialists had failed.
The makers put the show’s success down to simplicity, repetition and an engaging character (designed by animator Chris Allen). The team behind the show believe children’s television that is researched and made with care can really make an enormous, fundamental difference to children lives.
“Some of the messages we received from the public were really astounding,” says one of the creators and Series Producers, Lotte Elwell. “We did our research and worked closely with a speech and language advisor so we knew the methodology behind the show was sound. We thought the show would be a good help for all children but the response from within the special needs community has really blown us away. To think the show has helped children make that first step into communicating is so very important; it’s the gateway to making friends, expressing emotion, starting to learn – communication is everything!”
Dee is voiced by 6 year old Saanvi Patel (pictured). Saanvi was chosen after a UK-wide search and brings the bounce, humour and warmth needed for Dee to build a relationship with the child at home.
The show is part produced by female-led company King Banana. The team have worked tirelessly to ensure there is a huge amount of diversity in front and behind the camera, and a lot of the live action team are parents returning to work on a flexible basis. “Television can be a hard place for new parents”, says King Banana’s Katie Simmons, “So we try to buck that trend and create a working environment that helps parents return to work.”
BBC Studios have invested in Series 2 and 3 of Yakka Dee! Catch the new series on CBeebies at 9.10 and 13.15 from January 7th