Bagpuss meets The Clangers for first time in TV history

The man behind beloved children’s TV shows such as The Clangers and Bagpuss has revealed how he came up with some of his iconic characters.

And, for the first time in TV history, the characters from the two shows have actually come face to face exclusively for ITV News viewers.

Illustrator and puppet-maker Peter Firmin is currently preparing for The Clangers to get a 21st Century makeover as part of a £5 million comeback series to launch next year, working as executive producer on the project.

And he will also be receiving the prestigious BAFTA Special Award this weekend for his work in children’s entertainment.

In an interview with ITV News ahead of the ceremony, Mr Firmin – the brains behind other children’s TV characters such as Ivor the Engine, Noggin the Nog and Basil Brush – said he first dreamed up The Clangers with his long-term collaborator Oliver Postgate in response to the sudden surge in interest in space travel during the 60s.

Giving a hint of his active imagination, he went on to describe how he and Mr Postgate ‘investigated’ the moon mouse’s background to see what his descendants were up to, and even visited their “little blue planet in outer space” to meet his family.

The unique way The Clangers communicate, he said, was all down to Mr Postgate - who initially did not even want a narrator describing what was going on.

And unusual character the Soup Dragon actually came from Mr Postgate’s young son, who one bedtime told him a fantastical story about a giant who jumped so high he landed on the moon. Then, when he shook it, it made slurping noises because it was full of soup.

Meanwhile Bagpuss, he said, was never supposed to be pink. He was originally supposed to be a marmalade cat – but a problem with the dye meant he came out pink.

In fact, he added, the popularity of Bagpuss was such that he had enough money to extend his home to include a library – a library where Bagpuss now lives, sat upon a beam.

His creations have never come together on television before, but have done so today to herald the special occasion.

Mr Firmin said Bagpuss and 'Aunty Clanger' are now firm friends.

The British Academy Children’s Awards will be held at The Roundhouse in Camden, London, on Sunday.

The ceremony will be presented by actor Bernard Cribbins, with a special introduction by comedy actor and TV presenter Michael Palin.