News Date: Wednesday 1st February 2006
Tim: Rupert the Bear's No. 1 Fan!
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton has congratulated Channel Five on their decision to bring the adventures of Rupert the Bear back to the small screen.
Channel Five has announced that they have commissioned the creation of a new series for the popular children's character Rupert the Bear. The episodes are about to go into production and by the Autumn of this year Rupert and his Nutwood friends will be reliving their exploits on Channel Five's children's programme Milkshake.
The cartoon character Rupert the Bear was first created by the Daily Express illustrator Mary Tourtel in 1920. The renowned Rupert the Bear annuals are still produced every year but this is the first time in fourteen years that Rupert will be accessible to the large audience of children's television watchers.
Tim commented:
"I am thrilled to hear that Rupert the Bear, in his distinctive yellow and black scarf, and his chums Algy Pug and Edward Trunk will once again be accessible to a new generation who will have the opportunity to learn from his love of adventure and the warmth and loyalty which Rupert and his friends show for each other.
"As a child I was an avid fan of Rupert the Bear. I hope that Channel Five's decision will encourage other broadcasters to remember the significant place which traditional British television characters should play in 21st century children's entertainment. It is encouraging to see that children are still taking an interest in traditional characters rather than choosing to only watch programmes which involve exaggerated special effects and have people constantly running round zapping each other."
Note to editors:
Tim has signed an Early Day Motion welcoming the Return of Rupert the Bear. For the full text of the motion please visit http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=29848&SESSION=875
?, Tim Loughton MP , 2006
