‘THE MESSAGE IS IT’S OK TO BE DIFFERENT’
Konnie Huq discovers how children’s programmes changed the world…
Children’s TV has been entertaining and educating for generations, from the early days of Watch with Mother right through to the Tracy Beaker shows. But in a documentary celebrating the best of kids’ TV, former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq shows how it has actually been at the forefront of social change, quietly trailblazing when it comes to diversity and inclusion. ‘The message has been: “It’s OK to be different”,’ says Konnie. ‘Kids’ telly is far from safe and cuddly; it’s brave and adventurous.’
Konnie explains how back in the 1970s The Wombles made us think more carefully about the environment, while The Clangers didn’t shy away from politics, and industrial unrest was mentioned in Bagpuss. She also interviews Baroness Floella Benjamin, one of the first presenters of Play School, from a diverse background. ‘Thanks to her, millions of children started seeing themselves on screen for the first time,’ says Konnie.
With interviews from legends such as Johnny Ball, Sarah Greene, Janet Ellis and disabled presenters Cerrie Burnell and George Webster, Konnie explores how children’s TV has been more influential than we could imagine. ‘Kids telly doesn’t always get things right,’ she admits. ‘But at its best it’s holding our hands as we navigate [our way] through childhood.’
✣ Kids’ TV: The Surprising Story is on BBC1
‘IT’S BRAVE AND ADVENTUROUS!’