Favourite Ever British Animated Character

Peppa Pig Peppa gets my vote! As well as being the cutest pig...

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:44:47 -0500

Peppa Pig

Peppa gets my vote! As well as being the cutest pig ever, the kids love Peppa, which makes me love Peppa :)

Drew Giles

Roobarb Roobarb and Custard being Bob Godfrey,s greatest...

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:06:00 -0500

Roobarb

Roobarb and Custard being Bob Godfrey,s greatest creation and who’s do it yourself attitude to animation is what inspired a generation of animators (including myself) to get started.

James Farrington, Mill TV and Film

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I would like to Vote for Roobarb and Custard for the British animation awards. Having grown up when our golden retriever dog was often likened to Roobarb, I have such a warm and h appy memory when I hear the soundtrack.

Lucy

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Roobarb out of Roobarb and Custard, because he always seemed so carefree and at ease with himself and life. And he reminded me of my first dog when I was young.

Rob Doherty, Aardman Animations & festivus

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Roobarb, because he’s anarchic and innocent and a perfect example of design, voice, script and character all working in unison. And he provided me with the quote “My crummy plan is working!

Mole Hill

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Roobarb is my favourite because he is so eccentric and enthusiastic.
My favourite episode is the one where he ties a spike onto his nose
to fool the birds that he is one, and then he suffers the indignity
of landing spike-first in the ground. The theme tune is a classic,
and the structure of the narrative is great, sly cat, optimistic dog
and a bird chorus who switch their support from one to the other.

Suzie Hanna, Animation Filmmaker & Teacher

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He is so positive, when allthe world is against him he still plows on and no matter how badly his actions turn out, he will always come back for more undaunted.
I drew him on the back of my satchel when I was at school. He was one of the characters that inspired me to want to be an animator.

Shaun McGlinchey

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Roobarb and Custard Too

My favourite character(s) from childhood can’t be separated I’m afraid, its- Roobarb and Custard. I loved the drawing style and the fact that it moved quickly (now I know more how it was done of course) but overall i loved their stupid personalities and thought Custard was brilliant and begged my parents for a cat like that.

Helen Brunsden, Animation Consultant / Producer

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Roobarb from Roobarb and Custard is my favourite! He is full of enthusiasm and energy and remind me a little of myself!

Kirsten Greaves, Social Media Executive, PDSA

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Mine has definitely got to be Roobarb & Custard… in fact, I loved the brand so much as a kid that we sought out the owners and now represent the licensing rights to it! Of all the brands I’ve ever worked on, Roobarb and Custard is one that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of our clients and they inevitably end up singing the theme tune and reminiscing about their childhood. The brand has stood the test of time, still pulling in big ratings for Milkshake with a strong presence in the licensing world too and has recently been signed by the PDSA vet charity to support their work throughout the UK.

Rob Corney

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My vote would be for Roobarb. Loved the show – loved the simplicity of the animation and the humour. It was Bob Godfrey’s “Do It Yourself Animation Show” that got me into the business. So Roobarb every time for me! (With lashings of Custard!)

Tony Collingwood - Writer/Director, COLLINGWOOD O’HARE PRODUCTIONS LTD

Simon’s Cat I am addicted to the Simon’s Cat films....

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:17:00 -0500

Simon’s Cat

I am addicted to the Simon’s Cat films. Cat Man Do, had me in stitches!! Reminds me of my own cats. Poor Simon.

Maria Alexiou

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I think that Simon’s Cat should be nominated at it gives my whole family, from grandchildren to grandparents a great laugh. Simon Tofield, the man with the pen, is a genius.

Simon Gibson

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My nomination for the UK’s Favourite Ever British Animated Character of all time, has to be Simon’s Cat!!!

Was a tough decision, as there has been so many fantastic characters created over the years; but Simon’s Cat is brilliant at highlighting the great relationship that we have with animals & the interaction that ensues. Simon Tolfield manages to capture the very essence of being involved in an animals life & all the ups & downs that come with it.
He never ceases to amaze me how well he can capture all of the emotions, reactions & behaviour of the animals (& humans!!) so perfectly in cartoon form! He’s been a revelation!
Well done to Simon & all his cats! He would be a deserving winner!

LeiannWebster

Timmy - Timmy Time Currently internationally understood little...

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:38:51 -0500

Timmy - Timmy Time

Currently internationally understood little lamb making out at pre-school. No words, just
‘baahs’ and the normal Aardman perfection. Baah!

Wayne Jackman

Having spent 40 years animating characters, and having animated ...

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:54:00 -0500

Having spent 40 years animating characters, and having animated thousands of different ones, it’s hard to choose a favourite. But the one that I have certainly enjoyed working with as much as any is The Famous Grouse. He started life as an illustration on the whisky bottle label (drawn I think by the distiller Matthew Gloag’s daughter a century ago) but I first directed him for the TV ad campaign about 15 years ago. The challenge is to give him character, but in only 16 seconds, with no facial expression, and no voice. It’s fun.

Hibbert Ralph Animation

Jaguar So many great characters, but my favourite of all time? ...

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:14:00 -0500

Jaguar

So many great characters, but my favourite of all time? Has to be the Jaguar in Nick Park’s original Creature Comforts short film. Lounging on its branch in the zoo, discoursing to camera about the benefits of living in Brazil with it’s ‘space’ and plentiful supply of ‘fresh meat’. Sublime in every way.

Michael Rose, Producer. Magic Light Picture

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The best animated character ever is the jaguar in Nick Park’s Oscar winning short ‘Creature Comforts’. It’s why I came to work here.

Alix Wiseman, Aardman Animations

I’m finding it hard to choose between Tog, Pippin or the...

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:45:47 -0500

I’m finding it hard to choose between Tog, Pippin or the Witch form Pogles Wood. I guess it was Tog the squirrel when I was a child and now I love the witch! What I loved most about Pogles wood was the Woods themselves. The outdoor shots resonated with my environment on a farm and the Witch was fabulously scary. Being brought up a Catholic made me particularly drawn to the dark side where I could really frighten myself. Diana Dors as a Devil particularly freaked me out..but now you have sent me strolling down the 1960s/70s TV path. -Joan Ashworth, filmmaker and Head of Animation, RCA

Boni Well, since all my main faves have already been mentioned,...

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:57:00 -0500

Boni

Well, since all my main faves have already been mentioned, and with my list ever-so long, I’ve decided to settle with Boni , the poor old skull from ” The Trap Door” - although Berk comes a close second!

Who would have thought you could get such great humour from a skull head? A terrific character to play off from, constantly moaning about everything (including a headache), but it’s also thanks to Willie Rushton’s incredible voice acting that’s made “Moany Boni” so endearing and classic. -Chris Signore, Illustrator + Animator

Wallace and Gromit My favourite would have to be Wallace and...

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:05:00 -0500

Wallace and Gromit

My favourite would have to be Wallace and Gromit. They are great characters in the British tradition. Fantastically animated, great characterization, wonderfully designed. An absolute joy to watch.

Jason Kotey, Animator

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They best depict the kind of British qualities that is rather unique to an outsider of British popular culture. The chemistry between a man and his dog, Wallace being forever optimistic attitude towards his own inventions, and Gromit being forever loyal to Wallace, despite going against the grain most of the time.

Nick Park’s short films, featuring the duo, were one of the main reasons why I wanted to become an animated filmmaker. I still find influence in Aardman’s excellent legacy of films, television, and adverts to this day, with A Grand Day Out, The Wrong Trousers, and A Close Shave being the tip of an extraordinary iceberg, that carry the same cultural gravitas that some of the best in British culture has to offer.

Andy Norton, Freelance Artist

The Cresta Bear But I didn’t grow up in the UK so the...

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:03:00 -0500

The Cresta Bear

But I didn’t grow up in the UK so the first I saw of British animation
was when Richard Williams visited my art college with his show reel in
the late 70’s. And the Cresta ads really appealed to me. I hadn’t
really considered becoming an animator before that (and didn’t for
another 10 years).
http://wn.com/Cresta_Bear_Advert -Sharon Smith, Animator/Story Artist

Lola from ‘Charlie and Lola’ One of the sweetest...

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:12:39 -0500

Lola from ‘Charlie and Lola’

One of the sweetest little girls on tv, with the most patient brother ever, she also has one of the coolest wardrobes on tv.

The way she speaks is so infectious, everyone can tell when I have just been watching the show. “It’s my favouritist and most best!” A character loved by the small and not so small alike

Sadie St. Hilaire animation student

Mr Benn ‘Mr Benn is my favourite animated character and he...

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 07:06:00 -0500

Mr Benn

‘Mr Benn is my favourite animated character and he couldn’t be any more British!

David McKee’s cross-dressing fiend of fashion is the quintessential British
chap. He has inspired generations of snapply dressed Anglo- fashionistas
through the years as well as playing a seminal role in the Brit Pop movement

with both Oasis and the Devine Comedy penning tributes to him.’ -Kristian Andrews, Animation filmmaker

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t has to be MR BENN for me…. oh how I wish I could walk into a shop here in rural France and be taken back to work in animation studio in the UK…. when that shopkeeper came to tell me it was time to go I would hide under the nearest light box so he couldn’t find me.

Andrew Peters

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It has to be Mr Benn. Just goes to show how far you can go with great design, good storytelling and a premise that children of any age (and adults too) can immediately identify with and want to do themselves. Who wouldn’t want to visit that fancy dress shop? And of course, I could watch Mr Benn’s funny stiff-legged run all day. As if by magic….

Lucy Murphy

Jim and Hilda BloggsI don’t know if I can have 2...

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:26:00 -0500

Jim and Hilda Bloggs
I don’t know if I can have 2 as they are hard to imagine on their own. Poor old Jim and Hilda Bloggs from When the Wind Blows will always stay with me as long as I live. Their noble but ultimately naive trust and belief in a world that has failed them, their love for each other and their attempts to try and understand what has gone wrong during their final moments together is as good a vehicle as any to make you want to make a difference in the world. Their tragedy comes out of their everyday response to terrible events and the appealing simplicity of their character design. -Justin Johnson , Head of BFI Venues

Jimbo. For me it would have to be Jimbo - the miniature...

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:22:00 -0500

Jimbo.

For me it would have to be Jimbo - the miniature jumbo jet. Jimbo was sweet, inquisitive and very adventurous. I absolutely loved it as a child and looked forward to watching it on Saturday mornings. Listening to the theme tune still takes me back to that time and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. -Sara Barbas, Writer and Filmmaker

The Wolf from Wolves Witches and GiantsFrom my...

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:21:00 -0500

The Wolf from Wolves Witches and Giants
From my childhood, it would be Noggin The Nog , already nominated. From my teens, Roobarb and Custard , already nominated, so I’ll go for my favourite character from one of our shows. The Wolf from Wolves Witches and Giants , was intended to be a one off villain created for the pilot, but thanks to the wonderful gravel voice provided by the legendary Spike Milligan, and Ed Welch’s witty scripts, he went onto star in all 56 episodes of our up dated fairy tales. From being absolutely evil in the first series, the character developed into a lovable rouge, often pairing up with an Irish fox, who delighted in out witting his grey friend. By the end of the second year, he was the pantomime dame in one of my favourite stories, the two part Christmas special of Cinderella , where the Wolf took the part of the Fairy Godmother. Thankyou, Citv, for continuing to broadcast the show fifteen years after Cinderella first aired. -Simon Bor Producer Honeycomb Animation.

The Snowman It is not just nostalgic for me but brings me a...

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:11:00 -0500

The Snowman

It is not just nostalgic for me but brings me a sense of kindness and not focus on my possessions so much. The Snowman character explains the importance of friendship and fun by turning a character from human creation into a friend. -Jonathan Danzig

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My favorite character is The Snowman. Beautiful design, some lovely
animation, and flying. The synergy was captivating. -Phil Davies Producer

The Elf Factory Ltd & Astley Baker Davies Ltd

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I really enjoy The Snowman because the way it has been animated is absolutely stunning. I enjoy seeing the characters and how smooth the colour is in the animations. -Shirine Salvade Animation student at London College of Communication

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My nomination for best British animated character is of course The Snowman , probably because I storyboarded and animated on the film all those years ago at TVC ( as Joanna Fryer) and has kept me in work and long lunches with John Coates one way or another ever since! -Joanna Harrison

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The Snowman is my favourite british animated character - its so iconic and evocative of the magical excitement of christmas when you’re a kid.

Sue Holbrook

Paddington Bear Because he was so cute it hurt and Michael...

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:51:15 -0500

Paddington Bear

Because he was so cute it hurt and Michael Horden’s narration was stunning and because he was into marmalade and he could store sandwiches under his hat. Love him.K

Karl Woolley, Impossible Kids

Pink Panther My favourite animated character. Tough one, but I...

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:49:00 -0500

Pink Panther

My favourite animated character. Tough one, but I guess I’d have to go for something from my childhood, and one of my original inspirations for getting into this industry.
I have an extremely vivid memory from my childhood that is still with me today. It’s a specific scene from a specific episode of the ‘Pink Panther’ called The Pink Quarterback. Looking back on it, it’s not beautifully animated, it was part of a series after all, but there was something about the ridiculousness of it all and the skewed view of everyday situations that captured my imagination as a child. I didn’t realise it at the time, but it was to have massive influence in my life.
I loved the flat backgrounds, I loved the simple characters and their design, I loved the music, the stories, the opening titles, everything! I thought everything about it was pure genius. I used to replay the episode over and over in my head when I was trying to fall asleep as a child and even though it’s not British per se, I couldn’t see it not mentioned! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM985jCKrqU

Dave Walker, Animator

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Pink Panther - Lot of zany fun!

John Timperley

Catweazle When I was a child, my favourite British programme...

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:46:00 -0500

Catweazle

When I was a child, my favourite British programme that made it onto German TV screens, was Richard Carpenters: “Catweazle”.
It sort of epitomised Britain for me, long before I decided I wanted to live there.
And though I loved the show, I totally adored the animated title sequence.
Looking at it now, there is hardly any animation in it…
It still looks lovely though…
So I nominate the animated Catweazle from the beginning of every episode.
…I once met Geoffrey Bayldon… -Michael Schlingmann
Watch it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyyqwQLuNFw&feature=player_embedded#!

Clifford the Listerine Dragon After much thought I think my...

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:06:00 -0500

Clifford the Listerine Dragon

After much thought I think my favourite Uk animated character would have to be Clifford the Listerine dragon from back in the 1990’s. Simple but lovely animation - great acting and timing. As important as the animation is Clifford’s wonderful voice which sounds like Leslie Philips but apparently was Willie Rushton. Yup 10 points from me! -Joanna Quinn, Animator - Beryl Productions