Danger Mouse to return to TV with new series on BBC

Cartoon will get a '21st century' update

Brian Cosgrove, who created DangerMouse, is working with venture capitalists to raise funds for Pip!, a new venture

Danger Mouse is to be brought out of his 23 year retirement for a new high-tech series to air on CBBC next year.

The original Cosgrove Hall Films production, about a mouse working for the secret service and his bespectacled hamster assistant Penfold, ran between 1981 and 1992, shown on CITV in the UK and also proving a hit on Nickelodeon in the US.

The cartoon's original co-creator- Brian Cosgrove said he was "delighted" by the news.

"When I helped to create Danger Mouse I had no idea the show would be such a huge success both in the UK and overseas," he said.

"I am delighted that a whole new generation will be introduced to his daring deeds and thrilled to be part of this new 21st century series.

"I can't wait to find out what he's been up to for the last 23 years."

Rights owners Fremantle decided to revive the series on the BBC after it proved a popular part of CITV's Old Skool retro weekend.

"Danger Mouse is the last word in debonair and delightfully eccentric heroics and with Penfold at his side the much-loved duo will win over a whole new generation of fans," said Controller of CBBC Cheryl Taylor.

Danger Mouse's characteristic eye patch will get an update in the new series and become a multi-function 'i-patch'.

There is no word yet on whether David Jason will return to voice the titular hero.