The brand new series of Teletubbies launches tomorrow (November 9) on CBeebies, nearly two decades after they first appeared on the small screen in the UK, with the show now being reinvigorated for modern audiences.
Hoping to brighten up the days of some passersby in London, Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po all appeared on South Bank on November 5 near the Oxo Tower, holding a large FREE HUGS sign following their performance on Good Morning Britain, drawing in some huge crowds within minutes.
28-year-old Beth Colmer from Hitchin said: "I grew up with the Teletubbies so it was a bit of a shock to see them on my way to work this morning! Who wouldn't want a free hug from a Teletubby?! It's great they're back for a new generation and I can't wait to tell my son I hugged Tinky Winky!"
Cherry, 7-years-old added: "Po is my favourite Teletubby, I hugged her and it was brilliant! They were big, but soft and furry."
Top British talent features in the new series, with voiceover work from Fearne Cotton, Jane Horrocks, Daniel Rigby, Jim Broadbent and Antonia Thomas.
First launching in March 1997, Teletubbies went on to become one of the most successful international children's brands in history. Reaching more than a billion children across the globe to-date, the original episodes have broadcast in more than 120 territories in a whopping 45 languages. It became the first western pre-school property to air on China's CCTV, reaching a huge audience of 300 million children, and YouTube postings still gain over 75 million views per month.
Darrall Macqueen, the award-winning UK production company will produce the new series on behalf of DHX Media, with the pair hoping to pioneer an exciting version of the show for a new generation.
You can catch the Teletubbies comeback on CBeebies on Monday, November 9 at 7.25am.