Dermot O'Leary books land major adaptation from Danger Mouse duo
Dermot O'Leary's book series Toto The Ninja Cat is getting a 52-episode adaptation.
Dermot O'Leary's book Toto The Ninja Cat is being adapted into an animated series.
The This Morning presenter and former X Factor host has written six novels in the series over the past decade, with the seventh, Toto the Ninja Cat and the Football Fiasco, set to drop later in 2026.
As revealed by Deadline, Studiocanal and Superprod are behind Dermot's books being transformed into a 52-episode action comedy cartoon from Danger Mouse duo Nick Ostler and Mark Huckerby.
He said: “I am thrilled that Toto is about to become the star of her own television series."
The novels follow titular cat Toto, who has become the latest member of a secret league of ninja felines.
She has been partially sighted since birth, but her heightened senses have become a superpower to help her take on villains.
Toto is based on the AGE-year-old author's real life pet, who is a blind cat he adopted in Italy.
Dermot added: "I am often asked what inspired me to write my children’s books and I cannot think of a better inspiration than Toto herself; with her kind nature and the simply wonderful idea that Toto is a loving mild-mannered kitten by day and a Ninja by night.
"I am inspired by the work that Studiocanal and Superprod have been developing in the family space and I can only begin to imagine Toto’s continued journey with their belief and infectious enthusiasm for her potential.”
The books, which feature the illustrations of Nick East, have been translated into 19 languages, with more than half a million English-language copies sold so far.
Studiocanal Worldwide TV MD M-K Kennedy is “over-the-moon” to be adding Toto their family, which already includes the likes of Miffy and Paddington Bear.
She commented: “The vibrancy, comedy and values in Dermot O’Leary’s beautifully crafted books is so utterly compelling, with characters that burst from the page with unique voices and laugh-out-loud antics.
“Though Toto may not have 20/20 vision, she’s a bold, aspirational and inspirational reminder to kids of all ages that nothing should hold us back.”
