Can revamped Bob the Builder tick every PC box? Yes he can!
HIS cheery, can- do attitude has seen him sail unscathed through years of animated adventures.
But not even Bob the Builder, it seems, can withstand the forces of political correctness.
The cherished series is returning to our screens with the show’s first prominent black character, oodles of health and safety- friendly hi- vis strips and Bob’s fellow builder Wendy given a glamourous makeover as his ‘ business partner and electrical specialist’.
In a bid to make the show more upto-date for today’s children, the creators have ditched the much-loved models for CGI animation and re-vamped the main characters.
This has included giving Wendy a more ‘feminine’ look and introducing a young apprentice called Leo.
While the original run of the show, which finished in December after 15 years, saw Wendy dressed in baggy jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, she now sports skinny trousers and her blonde hair is clearly visible – because the makers wanted to ensure children could ‘ clearly differentiate her from the male character’.
They hope her ‘ more prominent role’ will help make the show appeal to girls as much as boys.
And bringing the show in line with modern health and safety requirements, Bob and his gang now sport high-visibility jackets as well as their familiar hard hats.
Actor Lee Ingleby, known for BBC1’s Our Zoo and for his role as Stan Shunpike in the Harry Potter series, will take over from Neil Morrissey, who voiced the handyman from the show’s launch in 1999. Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt will star as the voice of Wendy.
A spokesman for the show said: ‘His dungarees might have been replaced with a hi-vis jacket but his chunky boots, yellow hard hat and checked shirt all remain, ensuring TV’s bestloved builder remains just as recognisable as ever.’
‘All of the show’s core characters return ... but there will be new faces for viewers to meet – including Leo (an apprentice builder).’
The show starts on September 1 on Channel 5’s Milkshake children’s slot.
‘Wendy’s more prominent role’