Sooty Ownership Changes Hands

LONDON, June 26: Sooty,
the puppet bear that has been airing on British kids’ TV since the 1950s, has
been acquired by the show’s most recent presenter, Richard Cadell, in a deal
reported to be worth about £1 million.

Cadell bought the rights
to Sooty from Bridgefilms, a joint venture of HIT Entertainment, Global Rights
Development and Guinness Flight Venture Capital Trust. He is now developing new
material for a live tour and developing formats for a new TV series.
Bridgefilms acquired the rights to Sooty in May 1996. Gullane Entertainment
took a 50-percent stake in Bridgefilms in 1999. Gullane was subsequently sold
to HIT in 2002.

The character originated in 1948, when Harry Corbett bought a bear
puppet in Blackpool in order to entertain his son Matthew. The character and
Harry Corbett first appeared on the BBC in 1952, and The Sooty Show made its debut
on the pubcaster in 1955, running until 1967. A year later the series moved to
ITV, and then in 1976 Matthew Corbett took over hosting duties from his father.
In 1998, Cadell took over. The series Sooty and Sooty Heights have been
airing on CITV weekdays since 2005, but new episodes have not been produced in
some time.

“I am so excited to introduce Sooty to a new generation of children who
just want to be entertained,” Cadell said. “Sooty is about fun and magic and
laughter and I intend to put him firmly on the map of must– see
children’s entertainment. The generations who know and love Sooty will be able
to enjoy him once again, with their children. This is a really exciting time.”

Matthew Corbett added: “I am delighted that Sooty is in, or should I say
on, the right hands. Richard Cadell is as a close to a Corbett as you can get
and we are very confident that he will give Sooty the love and attention that
he deserves. Having spoken to Richard about what he has planned for the future,
I know he will ensure that Sooty will bring joy to the hearts and minds of a
new generation of children, whilst creating nostalgia amongst those who
remember Sooty so fondly.”

Jeff Dunn, the CEO of HIT, stated: “Sooty is a much loved and iconic
children’s character in the U.K. and we wish Richard and his team continued
success with the property.”

—By Mansha Daswani