Sesame Street

Sesame Street

'Sesame Street' will return to UK TV screens today (31.07.13).

The iconic American children's series - which was pulled from Channel 4 in 2001 - is set to make a comeback with selected episodes from seasons 36 to 43 available On Demand for all Virgin Media XL TV customers.

Nick Forward, director of TV at Virgin Media, said: "The show has an incredible legacy for educational, fun programming and we're honoured to bring it into the homes of Virgin TV families.

"These series were never broadcast here so this will provide hours of fun for the little ones this summer, and probably a fair few nostalgic adults too who grew up with the show."

Characters from the series such as Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch have become household names since the show launched in America in 1969.

The successful programme - which has won 118 Emmy Awards - will feature guest appearances from the likes of Emma Stone, Ricky Gervais, David Beckham, Nicole Kidman and Bruno Mars in a bid to help pre-school children develop basic maths and literacy skills.

Celia Musikant, Director of International Media Distribution at Sesame Workshop, said: "For 43 years, 'Sesame Street' has sought to meet the critical needs of children while preparing them for school and for life.

"The offering brings lessons of literacy, numeracy, and science, as well as tackles issues such as children's health. We, along with our friends Bert and Ernie, are thrilled to be in the UK to celebrate 'Sesame Street' on Virgin Media."

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