Channel 4 Celebrates 50 Years of Mr Men with New Commission

Roger Hargreaves’ much-loved children’s books, the Mr Men when first conceived in 1971 when his son, Adam, asked what a tickle would look like. That simple question birthed the first Mr Men book, Mr Tickle and what followed was a successfully series of children’s book characters; Mr Men and Little Miss.

This year is the fiftieth anniversary of Mr Tickle and Roger Hargreaves’ Mr Men series – which in recent years has been continued by his son Adam, an author and illustrator too, who has introduced new characters such as Little Miss Inventor.

To celebrate this milestone, Channel 4 have commissioned a new programme. Entitled 50 Years of the Mr Men, it will be presented by super fan, writer, comedian and presenter, Matt Lucas. The new programme will chart the history of Hargreaves’ colourful and fun little characters who changed the publishing industry forever. It will explore how the books found their way into the hearts and became bedtime story staples for a generation of children around the world.

This new film celebrating 50 years of one of the best-loved children’s characters of all time – Mr Tickle – will showcase the evolution of the characters and their role in pioneering a new world of inclusivity and openness. It will also explore iconic moments in the story of the Mr Men such as; the Hargreaves’ family story, artists and collaborators, child psychologists, marketing gurus, and collectors and super-fans.

Roger Hargreaves’ son, Adam will also be creating five new prototype characters which the global public will be able to vote on to choose their favourites. Then, the two most popular will be announced when the Channel 4 programme airs, before becoming the latest members of the Mr Men Little Miss universe in September. Voting is already open and can be done online at mrmen.com. The characters include; Mr Calm, Little Miss Kind, Little Miss Energy, Mr Brilliant, and Little Miss Brave.

Matt Lucas will also go behind-the-scenes of Hargreaves’ artistic process showing audiences what it takes to think-tank new ideas, and draw write and animate new characters for the modern world. Lucas will also be helping to launch the global campaign to choose which two of Adam Hargreaves’ characters will be introduced to a new generation of children.

Matt Lucas said: “I grew up on these books and considered the Mister Men and Little Miss characters my friends! I am delighted to be meeting them all again and look forward to finding out the story behind this much-loved, iconic series.”

50 Years of Mr Men was commissioned by Channel 4’s Specialist Factual commissioning editor Shaminder Nahal and will be made by Tern TV with executive producer Harry Bell and director Kelly Close.

Shaminder Nahal said: “There can’t be many families who’ve lived without a few Mr Men books at home; who’ve spent a bit a bit of time immersed in that funny, colourful, charming world. From the endless eggs for breakfasts, the crazy houses and the simple stories with their satisfying endings – the world created by Roger Hargreaves feels like an essential part of popular culture. I can’t wait to discover the secrets of how this much-loved universe was created – and to find out who the public choose to be the characters of the future.”

While Harry Bell added: “The Mr Men and Little Miss characters are trailblazers for celebrating difference and diversity. 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.”