Produced by Eagle Eye Drama, the special is based on Blake’s book of the same name and follows a toy clown’s journey to find a new home for him and his friends after he is thrown out with a load of discarded toys.

Blake said: “Clown has always been one of my favourite characters, and it’s wonderful now to see him off the page and running about on his own.”

The special will be animated traditionally, with hand drawings in imitation of Blake’s unique style.

A short ‘making of’ feature will accompany the special with contributions from Blake, Bonham Carter, key animators and producers.

Clown will air on Channel 4 in December 2020.