Channel 4 to mark 50 years of iconic ‘Mr Men’ kids characters

UK comcaster Channel 4 has commissioned 50 Years Of Mr Men, a special one-off unscripted show celebrating half a century of the popular Mr Men and Little Miss children’s characters.

The programme is being produced by Tern TV with Harry Bell serving as executive producer and Kelly Close attached to direct. It was commissioned by Channel 4 specialist factual commissioning editor Shaminder Nahal.

50 Years Of Mr Men is presented by actor, comedian and Mr Men super fan Matt Lucas (Little Britain), who will chart the history of the colourful characters who first appeared in a long-running series of children’s books by author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves.

The series began with the book Mr Tickle in 1971, launching numerous follow-ups and spin-offs, with the characters going on to appear in several TV adaptations. Roger’s son Adam Hargreaves took the reins as author and illustrator of the series in 1988 following the death of his father and in this special programme will be creating five prototype new characters for a global public vote. The two most popular will be announced when the programme airs and become the latest members of the Mr Men universe.

“The Mr Men and Little Miss characters are trailblazers for celebrating difference and diversity,” commented Tern’s Harry Bell. “That’s the secret to their success.  We were delighted to gain such wonderful access to both their special world and to those behind the phenomenal success of the brand. Having Matt Lucas, super fan, adding his own tickle of colour will make this a magical must watch film for all the family.”