Playhouse Disney Celebrates Handy Manny With 'Manny March'

Playhouse Disney Celebrates Handy Manny With 'Manny March'

LONDON, March 9/PRNewswire/ -- Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President of Playhouse Disney Worldwide, is in London today to celebrate 'Manny March' - a month of programming dedicated to the hit animated series, 'Handy Manny'. Playhouse Disney is currently the UK's fastest growing kid's TV channel and 'Handy Manny' is following suit having increased its reach amongst kids by a huge 223%* since the show launched in October 2006.

'Handy Manny' has captured the imaginations of preschoolers and their parents in the UK with 3.4 million** viewers tuning in between October and December 2008, the show's best ever quarterly reach.

Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Playhouse Disney Worldwide commented "The engaging curriculum designed to encourage kids to take on life's challenges and its inspiring lead characters have made 'Handy Manny' a global success with preschoolers, and we are delighted with the performance of the series here in the UK."

During 'Manny March', viewers will be treated to a raft of new episodes and a brand new character is joining Handy's toolbox - a curious Flashlight named 'Flicker' who is learning to speak English. Country singer, songwriter, actress and voiceover artist Grey DeLisle is the voice of 'Flicker'. Brand new episodes of 'Handy Manny' will premiere on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March at 9.50am and then at the same time on Playhouse Disney (and on Playhouse Disney +1 at 10.15am) every Saturday until 21st March.

Wilmer Valderrama ("That 70's Show") stars as the voice of handyman Manny Garcia, a helpful, determined young man who, with the assistance of his eclectic set of talking tools, is Sheet Rock Hills' expert when it comes to repairing all that's not working - even friendships among neighbours.

In 2008, Playhouse Disney had its most successful year ever and more than doubled its share with, on average, 5.3 million viewers tuning in per quarter, peaking at 5.6 million kids 4+ between October to December.

          *Based on growth from Q1 2007 (Jan-Mar 07)     ** Individuals 4+     Source: BARB/TNS InfoSys TV                                -- Disney Channel --  

Playhouse Disney

Playhouse Disney uses creative storytelling and engaging characters to help make learning a playful experience for preschoolers. Shows like, 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse' and 'Handy Manny' each tackle different areas of child development, from early maths to social interaction, problem solving to teamwork. Playhouse Disney's schedules are designed to reflect a young child's routine with daily themed zones.

Playhouse Disney is one of the UK's leading preschool channels and became available to Sky customers as part of the 'Kids Mix' of basic channels on the 16th March 2006. In June 2007, the channel launched 'Playing for the Planet', the first environmental initiative aimed at preschoolers, following new research that found parents were crying out for ways to teach their kids about the environment. The 'Playing for the Planet' guide is packed with interactive games, hints and tips on green activities for preschoolers and is available to download from http://www.playhousedisney.co.uk/playingfortheplanet.co.uk.

Worldwide, Playhouse Disney has set the standard for preschool television with its learning-based programming that encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through programming that is guided by a curriculum that is focused on multiple areas of child development. Playhouse Disney programming addresses physical, emotional, social and cognitive development; thinking and creative skills as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and characters.

Source: Disney Channel

Press Contacts: For further information, images or to request an interview , with Nancy Kanter please contact: Anna Bifield, Disney Channel, Anna.bifield@disney.com / +44(0)208-636-2227

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Profile: International Entertainment