Everybody’s favourite childhood television programme is set to make a comeback to the BBC, later this year.
The Teletubbies will be returning almost 20 years after Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po made their television debuts. The show has been seen by over one billion children in over 100 countries. Viewers will remember them distinctly by the television screens on their tummies and the unique antennas they each have on their heads.
For the comeback, the brightly coloured foursome – famous for their “Eh-oh!” catchphrase – will keep their antennas, but the television screens on their bodies will be replaced by “21st Century touchscreen tummies.” The screens will be used to broadcast live-action films, made from a child’s perspective.
Actor Jim Broadbent is part of the new voice cast
Former Radio 1 DJ Fearne Cotton and actor Jim Broadbent have been announced as members of the new voice cast and will be heard from the trumpets that rise out from underground. The producers also revealed that actor Daniel Rigby (Eric and Ernie) will narrate the new series, with actress Antonia Thomas (Misfits) will voice the opening and closing lines.
Someone who is not particularly happy about the remake however, is co-creator Anne Wood, who said earlier this year that she would not watch the show’s return and criticised TV bosses for reviving a glut of former children’s shows, including Thunderbirds and The Wombles.
“I’m a bit sad. It comes down to the times we’re in,” Wood – who sold the rights to the show to raise money to make new programmes – said. “People feel safer remaking hits of the past rather than investing in something new.”
Teletubbies will air on CBeebies at some point later in the year.
For a nostalgic reminder of how the show used to be, watch the video below.
