EH-OH AGAIN
THEY don’t look a day older, but Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po turn 20 today.
And the Teletubbies are celebrating by saying “Eh-oh!” to an old friend.
Ned Frost was a threeyear-old riding his bike when he starred in the show’s first ever “tummy screen” film back in 1997.
He’s now a 23-year-old medical student in Newcastle, and he took time out from his course to wish his old pals a happy birthday.
Ned said: “Friends found out about the episode I was in and it was used in a paediatrics teaching session to show child development.
“I was in two more episodes. And I still ride a bike all the time.”
Teletubbies began charming Britain’s tiny tots – and a good few grownups too, on March 31, 1997.
It’s now a global kids’ TV giant, watched by more than a billion youngsters in more than 100 countries.
And it’s hard to remember that some parents frowned on the Teletubbies’ simple language and childlike movements when the show was first broadcast.
Cbeebies controller Kay Benbow said commissioning the show was “a risk that paid off ”. She added: “We’re very proud of its fantastic heritage and continued
success.” ● The Teletubbies were based on US astronauts “behaving like toddlers” on the moon. ● They were originally going to be called the Teleteddies. ● The show’s rabbits were replaced after failing to breed. ● 1997 No1 single Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh was masterminded by Simon Cowell. ● Toyah Wilcox, Penelope Keith and Eric Sykes helped voice the first series. ● Tubby custard isn’t as tasty as it looks. It was made of mashed potato and paint. ● Tubby toast was made of home insulation foam.