Weed roots for feminism

Weed has grown more charismatic

Weed, the floral mentor to Flowerpot Men Bill and Ben, has turned over a new leaf and become a feminist.

Producers of an updated version of the BBC's classic Watch with Mother series are giving the pot plant a stronger, more articulate character, according to The Observer.

It is hoped Weed will cultivate new audiences

The plant, whose most outspoken proclamation to date is the self-referential catchphrase "Weeeeed", is to be shown solving problems and negotiating relations between a cast of new characters.

"She won't even say 'weeed' any more," Frank Vose, producer for Cosgrove Hall Films, told the paper.

'Feminist vision'

"We have made her into a wise character who has quite a lot to say and is able to express herself clearly. A more modern, feminist vision, if you like."

However, Weed's verbal re-planting is not to be extended to her potted pals, Bill and Ben.

The pair will continue to talk gibberish, exchanging their thoughts in time-honoured style.

Comedian Jon Thompson of the BBC's Fast Show, the creator of politically correct stand-up comedian Bernard Right-on, has been drafted in to flesh-out the "flobadobadobs" and cultivate a new generation of fans.

"The old version of the Flowerpot Men does look rather dull now," added Mr Vose.

"We felt we needed to introduce more elements into the stories to keep children interested."