As if by magic... Mr Benn reappears

Last updated at 09:55 22 December 2004


Children's favourite Mr Benn is making a comeback after 30 years.

The bowler-hatted character is heading back into the changing room in a brand new episode.

Ray Brooks is also returning to narrate the story of the man from 52 Festive Road who goes on a magical adventure every time he enters the costume shop.

In the Seventies classic, Mr Benn would try on a different costume, go through the door and find himself in a completely different world.

After a series of extraordinary escapades the shopkeeper would appear "as if by magic" and summon him back - with Mr Benn clutching a souvenir from his travels.

Gladiator role

In the new episode, commissioned by children's network Nickelodeon, Mr Benn tries on a gladiator costume and is transported to ancient Rome.

It is based on a book by creator David McKee, who wrote and illustrated the stories.

Mr McKee said: "It's hard to believe that the first Mr Benn films were broadcast in 1970. I still get a lot of letters from fans asking when I'm going to write a new story.

"It was wonderful working on Gladiator - just like visiting an old friend. We've kept the style much the same but of course the technology is very different now. In fact the original films were made in a garden shed in Surbiton. I'm looking forward to new adventures for Mr Benn in the future."

  • The show will be broadcast on Nickelodeon's pre-school channel Nick Jr at 8pm on New Year's Day.

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