65 Years of Sooty
Chances are you grew up watching Sooty, Sweep and Soo. Well, they're still going strong! The gang are celebrating 65 years in showbusiness and have more new shows on the way.
Sooty is now in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest running children's TV show. Puppeteer Harry Corbett originally bought Sooty for his son Matthew Corbett whilst on holiday in Blackpool in 1948, and Sooty made it to TV in 1952.
Following Harry Corbett's retirement from television in 1976, Sooty went on to be operated by Matthew, and the gang soon enjoyed a new wave of popularity on stage and TV.
Matthew Corbett retired in 1998, with Sooty being taken on by Richard Cadell, who presented another five series of comic antics with the beloved puppets. In June 2008, Cadell officially bought the rights to Sooty, and the gang have now returned to ITV in a brand new incarnation - a sitcom set in a coastal holiday park. Featuring magic, mischief and mayhem, most episodes involve a bit of a cheeky water soaking too.
Following a successful 2011 run the second series is now here, with guest stars set to include Shaun Williamson, The Krankies and Brian Blessed. To find out more about what is in store see our Episode Guide
To celebrate the show, here we present a few facts, and some pictures from Sooty's photograph album...
Fun Facts
- Harry Corbett's uncle was the fish and chip legend Harry Ramsden.
- Sooty was bought by Corbett from a joke shop on the North Pier in Blackpool in 1948.
- Harry Corbett's wife used real soot to blacken the puppet's ears to make him look different to other teddies - resulting in the name Sooty.
- Sooty's first TV appearances were in black and white. It was a shock to some when the introduction of colour television revealed that Sooty was in fact yellow!
- Harry Corbett paid £150 a year to insure his thumb and two fingers.
- Sooty once soaked Prince Phillip with his water pistol!
- Sooty was made Mayor of Blackpool in 2000... but for just one day.
- Sooty first met his current right hand man Richard Cadell when he appeared as a guest magician on the Sooty show back in 1983.
- Sooty is celebrating his 65th birthday by returning home to Blackpool to star in a birthday tribute in lights for this year's Blackpool Illuminations.
Sooty's Photograph Album
Here is a look at some of the famous friends Sooty has made over the last six decades...
The Queen met Sooty in 1955 when he mischievously squirted water in Prince Phillip's face! Her Majesty also said Sooty was Princess Anne's favourite programme... let's hope Prince George is going to become a fan of the little yellow bear too!
Shane Ritchie has been friends with Sooty for years, having starred in the 1997 Sooty Christmas Panto.
Harry Hill and Sooty go way back. Harry starred in Sooty & Co in 1998.
Sooty talks business with Richard Branson in 1998... the bear is an expert in show business!
This picture was taken back in 2000. Ant & Dec know Sooty’s Got Talent!
Sooty and Sweep helped Peter Kay find the way to Amarillo for his 2005 Comic Relief single.
Sooty had the pleasure of working with Amanda Holden in 2010 for The Children's Trust.
Sooty and Sweep surprised Chris Moyles for his birthday show on Radio 1 in 2011.
Sooty and Sweep have also hung out with Fearne Cotton at Radio 1.
The characters continue to meet more people thanks to their new series.
Amy Childs brought a bit of Essex to Somerset when she filmed a guest role on the show in 2011.