'Barney & Friends' is making a return.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez

A new series of the popular children's show featuring the big purple dinosaur is set to appear on television screens once again after toy company Mattel and animation studios 9 Story Media Group agreed to reinvent the popular programme.

Kate Schlomann, HIT Entertainment's vice president of global brand marketing said: "We are delighted to announce this new brand-building partnership with 9 Story in a deal which sees two of the world's finest producers of preschool entertainment joining forces to bring an exciting lineup of new programming to a global audience across multiple platforms."

The new partnership are also working on a relaunch of 'Angelina Ballerina', with 26 half-an-hour episodes of both shows being made for air in 2017.

During its eighteen years on the air, 'Barney & Friends' featured the likes of child stars turned pop sensations Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.

Meanwhile, the 'Good for You' star recently admitted to having an "awkward" crush on the man dressed in the Barney suit.

She said: "The guy in the suit was kind of attractive. At that time you are young, you're seven and you are like 'What are these things that I'm feeling, he is so attractive.'

"It was great. I enjoyed it. It's what sparked me on to doing all of this."