BBC Four is to air episodes of the classic children’s puppet series Andy Pandy, a mainstay of the Watch With Mother strand, on the 6th of July. The broadcast of the episodes coincides with 75th anniversary on the 11th of July 2025.
What is Andy Pandy?
Andy Pandy followed the adventures of the title character, A marionette who lives in a picnic basket. There was also Teddy, a teddy bear, and Looby Loo, a rag doll, who would come to life when Andy and Teddy weren’t around. Looby Loo had her own song “Here we go Looby Loo” Each episode ended with a variation on the song: “Time to go home / Time to go home / Andy is waving goodbye.
Andy Pandy was created by Freda Lingstrom and Maria Bird. It first aired on the BBC in 1950, becoming a memorable part of the Watch With Mother strand. Initially broadcast live, 26 black and white episodes were made on film in 1952, subsequently repeated for the next twenty years. Bird served as narrator. A further 13 episodes, this time in colour, were made in 1970 with Vera McKechnie providing the voices. Eventually ceasing as a regular repeat, Andy Pandy was revived in 2002 for a new series.
Jamie’s Reaction
Wow! The original puppet version of this series is rarely repeated on television. It’s lovely that the BBC have chosen to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this show, which left a mark on every generation of children who saw it.
I’ve noticed a tendency by the BBC in recent months to celebrate these kinds of milestones, dipping into the archives for long-forgotten programming that was once a fixture. Long may it continue!
When will Andy Pandy air on BBC Four?
Two episodes of the 1950s and two of the 1970 series will air from 8 pm to 9 pm on the 6th of July 2025. This is likely to be a one-off as a celebration. The documentary From Andy Pandy to Zebedee will air afterwards.