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Wednesday, 13 March, 2002, 15:27 GMT

Andy Pandy gets modern make-over


Looby Loo, Andy Pandy and Teddy
Looby Loo, Andy Pandy and Teddy make a return
Children's classic Andy Pandy is making his TV comeback after more than 30 years, sporting a trendy pair of trainers rather than clogs.

The programme first graced television screens in 1950 in black and white and was last seen in 1970.

Now the BBC has given the playful puppet a make-over, along with friends Lobby Loo and Teddy.

Actor Tom Conti has voiced the new series which will go out first on digital channel Cbeebies on 25 March.

The new Andy Pandy is still wearing his trademark blue and white striped pyjamas but out has gone the clogs and his puppet strings have disappeared.

He is also joined by a new cast of chums including Hissy Missy, a snake-shaped draught excluder, Tiffo, a stuffed dog, Orbie a bouncing ball and Bilbo who sails a yacht on wheels.

Andy Pandy

The children's television market has proved a lucrative business with the likes of Teletubbies and the Tweenies proving merchandise successes.

The revival follows in the footsteps of Bill and Ben who made their TV comeback at the start of 2001 after a multi-million pound make-over.

Watch With Mother

Andy Pandy was created by Freda Lingstrom, who was head of the children's television department of the BBC between 1951 and 1956.

The show went out in the Tuesday afternoon Watch with Mother slot.

The original programmes were narrated by Vera McKechnie and the songs were sung by Gladys Whitred.

Andy signed off each show by waving goodbye to everyone with a song.

The new show will be aimed at children between the ages of one and three years and can be seen on BBC Two from 4 April.


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