Teletubbies

Fopii

BBC Two

The programme features four colourful characters: Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, who live in a futuristic dome , set in a landscape of rolling hills. The only natural fauna are rabbits . The climate is always sunny and pleasant save for occasional inclement days, with rain and puddles, and snow at Christmas time. The Teletubbies are played by actors dressed in bulky costumes, although the sets are designed to give no sense of scale. The Teletubbies don't normally wear real clothes other than the colored suits they wear. They have metallic silver-azure rectangular "screens" adorning their abdomens. These screens are used to segue into short film sequences, which are generally repeated at least once. When the series is shown in different countries around the world, the film inserts are to be tailored to suit local audiences.

The Teletubbies have the body proportions, behaviour, and language of toddlers. The pacing and design of the show was developed by cognitive psychologist Andrew Davenport, who structured the show to fit the attention spans of the target audience. The repetition of practically every word is familiar to everyone who has ever worked with young children. There was also help from Shatarra Willis the stage manager who helped the show to become a success.

The Teletubbies speak in a gurgling baby language which is the subject of some controversy among educationalists, some of whom argue that this supposedly made-up talk is not good for children.


Characters

Tinky Winky, is a purple male Teletubby. He is the largest of the Teletubbies, with a triangular antenna on his head. Tinky Winky is notable for the red luggage (described by the show as a "magic bag", but often described by other media as a handbag) he carries. His character has caused much controversy due to allegations that his character's behaviour carried homosexual undertones. He is also found performing his Tinky Winky Round and Round Dance in a ballet-style tutu from time to time, which is also often worn by Laa-Laa.

Dipsy is the second Teletubby and is green colored. His name stems from the straight dipstick antenna on his head. His favorite item to wear and carry with him is his black and white hat. Dipsy is the most obstinate of the characters, and will sometimes refuse to go along with the other Tubbies' group opinion. His face is also notably darker than the rest of the Teletubbies.

Laa-Laa is a yellow female Teletubby. She has a curly antenna and is very concerned with the welfare of all. She's the best singer of all the Teletubbies. "Drama queen", party-girl and mother type. Her favorite thing is a bouncy, orange ball, which is almost as big as she is.

Po is a red female Teletubby with a short antenna that has a circle on top. Po is the smallest of all the Teletubbies and often the one who gets into innocent trouble. Her favorite thing is her scooter as she calls it ("Po 'cooter!"). Of all the Teletubbies, Po usually becomes most involved with the audience, and is the only bi-lingual Teletubby, with her second language being Cantonese.

Noo-Noo seems to be both the Teletubbies guardian and/or housekeeper, due to its resemblance to a vacuum cleaner, which is its initial purpose in the house. Noo-Noo hardly ventures outside, instead remaining indoors and constantly cleaning with its sucker-like nose. It does not speak like the other characters, instead communicating through a series of slurping and sucking noises. At times, Noo-Noo gets annoyed with the Teletubbies antics and can vacuum their food or toys. This usually prompts the Teletubbies to scold Noo-Noo through a cry of "Naughty Noo-Noo!". Usually after this, Noo-Noo flees and the Teletubbies pursue it comically around the house until they grow tired, are distracted by something, or forgive Noo-Noo. This sequence ends with them hugging it, or with it shooting out their absorbed objects.

The Sun is personified with the face of baby Jessica Smith, who is believed to have been around seven months old at the time of filming. Her giggle was included on the track Teletubbies Say Eh-Oh!, which reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. Although she was not credited, this does make her technically the youngest person ever whose vocal appeared on a number one song.