An iconic BBC fantasy series with a record-breaking budget is returning to screens a whopping 40 years on from its first ever episode.

The broadcaster has announced that it will be screening the classic series to mark its 40th anniversary as part of its Christmas schedule.

Originally released in 1984, The Box of Delights is an adaptation of a beloved children’s book by John Masefield.

It aired on BBC One and had a huge budget of £1million, which was unheard of and the largest ever for a children’s series at the time.

The fantasy series follows schoolboy Kay Harker who finds himself protecting a magical box from an evil wizard.

Kay was played by Devin Stanfield who was the youngest star of the show in the leading role that was the peak of his short-lived career in acting.

Devin stayed in the industry but now works behind the scenes as a production manager and technical director.

Originally released in 1984, The Box of Delights is an adaptation of a beloved children’s book by John Masefield

The fantasy series follows schoolboy Kay Harker who finds himself protecting a magical box from an evil wizard.

It aired on BBC One and had a huge budget of £1million which was unheard of and the largest ever for a children’s series at the time

The special effects in the show really pushed the limits of what was possible at the time, but not all of the scenes could be made with special effects.

Last year, Devin spoke to The Guardian about bravely putting himself forward for the majority of his own stunts.

He said: ‘They were going to use a stunt double for the scene where the pony runs up to the stockade, but I insisted I could ride bareback even though I’d only been on a horse a handful of times.

‘There’s a sH๏τ following the horse from behind where you see it stumble slightly – that’s really me riding. I said yes to everything – “Can you wield a sword?” “Yeah, of course!”‘ 

Viewers may recognise the keeper of the box, Cole Hawlings, as he was played by Patrick Troughton who also played the second Doctor Who.

As well as being a Christmas classic loved by fans, The Box of Delights series also received several awards including three BAFTAs.

Alongside the festive repeat, all six episodes are being released on Blu-Ray which will include a new accompanying documentary film: Time and Tide – Making The Box of Delights.

The Box of Delights will air on BBC Four on Saturday, December 7 from 7.10pm.