Eh oh! Teletubbies celebrate 10th birthday

"The Teletubbies," the television show for infants that became a worldwide hit, celebrate its 10th birthday on Friday.

Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po -- the four chubby luminous-coloured furry figures with aerials on their heads and television sets in their bellies -- appeared on BBC television for the first time on March 30, 1997.

"The Teletubbies" have since been screened in 120 countries, translated into 45 languages, and with merchandise sales topping one billion US dollars (750,000 euros).

"It was hard work. We did 11-hour days and the suits were heavy and hot. We certainly weren't hellraisers," Nick Smedley, who played yellow-coloured Laa-Laa, was quoted as saying in the newspaper London Lite.

The show has sparked controversy over the years.

Some educationalists have expressed concern that the sing-song baby language used by the characters could harm speech development in its pre-school target audience.

That charge has been rebutted by the programme makers and by other experts who say the Teletubbies unique style helps infants develop communication and language skills.

In 1997, Dave Thompson, the original actor who donned Tinky Winky's suit was sacked, as it was felt he had interpreted the character incorrectly.

When the show was first broadcast in the United States, Christian campaigner Jerry Falwell took exception to the fact that Tinky Winky, although considered male due to his relative height, carried a handbag.

The plump purple creature was "modelling the gay lifestyle", Falwell charged, unintentionally sparking a rush for Tinky Winky merchandise on America's gay scene.

BBC Worldwide said it has released Happy Birthday, a two-disc collection of the 10 most popular episodes and the top 10 Teletubby moments as voted for by the readers of Mother And Baby magazine.

"The Teletubbies" will also be taking part in a stage show from December 11 together with other characters from CBeebies, the BBC channel for the under sixes.

Special events are being held in the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and China later this year.