MUCH-loved children’s show Teletubbies is making a return to television screens, with a host of celebrity names lending their voices to the remake.
The show – previously filmed in the heart of south Warwickshire, with Teletubby land based on a farm near Ettington – will feature the same well-known characters Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po.
Absolutely Fabulous star Jane Horrocks, actor Jim Broadbent and DJ Fearne Cotton will provide voices for the new series, which producers say will have a ‘refreshed and contemporary’ look.
Ms Horrocks will voice the ‘tubby phone’ – a mobile-style gadget aimed at bringing the revamped show into the modern day.
And the voices of Oscar winner and Harry Potter star Mr Broadbent and Radio One’s Ms Cotton will be heard coming through trumpets which pop out of the ground.
Ms Horrocks said: “I am very excited to be playing the tubby phone in the new series. It has a whole new feel to it. I think it’s hilarious and it will appeal to adults as much as it does children.”
Much of the show – which previously aired between 1997 and 2001 – will remain the same, with the creatures having a television set in their stomachs and antennas on their heads.
Mr Broadbent – who has previously voiced characters for Postman Pat: The Movie – said: “Teletubbies is truly a British institution and it’s very exciting to be involved in bringing this global hit back to our TV screens.”
And Ms Cotton said: “Teletubbies holds a special place in my heart so I’m honoured to be part of this well-loved TV show.
“As a mum I am sure the new series will enthral a whole new generation of children across Britain and I will certainly be watching with my kids.”
The original show was seen by around one billion children in more than 120 countries.
But co-creator Anne Wood – who sold the rights to the show – has criticised TV bosses for reviving so many former children’s shows such as Thunderbirds and Clangers.
She said: I’m a bit sad. It comes down to the times we’re in. People feel safer remaking hits of the past rather than investing in something new.”
The show is set to air later this year on CBeebies.
The Teletubbies are returning to TV. (s)
