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Fimbles

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Fimbles
Created bySarah Hayes
Developed byBBC Broadcast
Written bySimon Davies
Alan MacDoanld
Jan Page
Lucinda Whiteley
Toby Rushton
Mike Watts
Sarah Hayes
Tamsin Heatley
Christopher Lillicrap
Directed byHelen Sheppard (50 episodes, 2002 to 2003)
Jamie Langton (3 episodes, 2002)
Vivienne Cozens (1 episode, 2002)
Julian Kemp (1 episode, 2002)
Ursula McCulloch (1 episode, 2002)
Voices ofAidan Cook
Shelley Longworth
Kate Harbour
Tamsin Heatley
Wayne Forester
Theme music composerPaul K. Joyce
ComposersPaul K. Joyce
Kick Production
Philip Pope
Lester Barnes
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of series2
No. of episodes200
Production
Executive producersClare Elstow
Mike Watts
David Hamilton
ProducerLucinda Whiteley
Production locationBray Studios
Camera setupIan Baldwin
Alan Beal
Paul Freeman
Steve Jellyman
and others
Running time20 minutes approx
Production companiesNovel Entertainment
Novel Finders Limited
Original release
NetworkBBC Two
CBeebies
Release23 September 2002 (2002-09-23) –
24 September 2004 (2004-09-24)
Related
The Roly Mo Show

Fimbles is a British children's television series created and produced by Novel Entertainment.[1] The series has 200 episodes, airing from 2002 to 2004 with repeats airing until early 2012 on CBeebies. The Fimbles are Fimbo, Florrie and Baby Pom, three magical characters who all live in a bright, lush, and colourful place called Fimble Valley. The production of the show itself was filmed at Bray Studios in Berkshire.

The programme has been broadcast in over 100 countries, including the countries Canada, China and all the countries in mainland Europe.

Overview

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The series features three magical hippo/pig/tapir-like hybrid creatures called the "Fimbles", who are portrayed by "skin" actors in complex, fluffy animatronic suits and all look quite similar apart from their colour and size. The characters explore Fimble Valley and can find things through a special "sixth sense". When the Tinkling Tree tinkles its bell-like blossoms, it makes the nose, fingers and topknot of one or more Fimbles twitch as they get the "Fimbling Feeling". This tells the character(s) that they are going to find something. It may be a natural phenomenon - a patch of sunlight for example, an everyday object, e.g. a tambourine, or something which would be totally inexplicable in the real world, such as a puddle of blue "galoo". Whatever is found becomes the catalyst for the episode's adventures and the trigger for the Fimbles' creative play. The other characters featured are large-scale puppets who normally help out the Fimbles with something.

The snouted and concentrically-ringed appearance of the Fimbles was based on the eponymous antagonists of Lucy Anna and the Finders, written and illustrated by Sarah Hayes. Although Hayes is cited in the credits of Fimbles, and she was involved in adapting the characters for the television series, the implacably omnivorous Finders (who, throughout the book, threaten to eat Lucy Anna) have nothing else in common with the Fimbles.

Characters

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  • Fimbo - A yellow Fimble with green stripes. Fimbo is the oldest, tallest and only male of the trio. He likes to play his Shimmi Shaker and eat crumble crackers. He is operated by John Tobias, Steve Poole and Adam Blaug and voiced by Aidan Cook.
  • Florrie - A blue Fimble with purple stripes. She likes to sing songs and is normally seen with a doll that resembles a Fimble called "Little One". She is operated by Jenny Hutchinson, Leah Green and Holli Hoffman and voiced by Shelley Longworth (Series 1) and Kate Harbour (Series 2).
  • Baby Pom - A green Fimble with pink stripes. Being the youngest and smallest, she has a personality similar to that of a toddler. She generally follows the other Fimbles around their world and normally pushes a yellow wagon called the "Trundle Truck". She is operated by Samantha Dodd and Denise Dove and voiced by Tamsin Heatley.
  • Bessie - A plump pink bird who lives near the waterfall with Ribble. She normally gives out a summary at the end of the programme of what the Fimbles did in the episode and she shows the Fimbles what the found items are. The episode, "Yodelling Echo", reveals she knows how to yodel. She is puppeteered by Neil Sterenberg, Steven Kynman and Robert Skidmore (assistant) and voiced by Tamsin Heatley.
  • Roly Mo - A purple and green striped mole. He has a huge underground library, where he finds a book to show off to the Fimbles in every episode. He is puppeteered by Neil Sterenberg and Iestyn Evans (assistant) and voiced by Wayne Forester.
  • Rockit - A blue tree frog who is normally seen hopping around and being quite inquisitive and energetic. He is puppeteered by Simon Buckley and Katherine Smee and voiced by Wayne Forester.
  • Ribble - An orange male fluffball chick with a light blue beak who is Bessie's son. He makes squeaks that the other characters can understand. He was given black eyes in later episodes. He is operated by Garry Rutter, Dan Carlisle and Matthew Lyons and voiced by Tamsin Heatley.

Episodes

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There are 200 episodes altogether. [2]

Series 1 (2002-03)

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  1. Jingly Hat
  2. Wig
  3. Tambourine
  4. Suitcase
  5. Tissues
  6. Spots
  7. Blue
  8. Wellington
  9. Hoop
  10. Woolly Hat
  11. Puzzle
  12. Red
  13. Red Nose
  14. Ball
  15. Shiny Button
  16. Tent
  17. Watering Can
  18. Pebbles
  19. Hooter
  20. Cotton Wool
  21. Party Hat
  22. Wind
  23. Mirror
  24. Sock
  25. Wooden Spoon
  26. Shopping Basket
  27. Cushion
  28. Sticky Patch
  29. Windmill
  30. Clockwork Toy
  31. Gnome
  32. Balloon
  33. String
  34. Russian Dolls
  35. Sunbeam
  36. Picture Frame
  37. Reflection
  38. Funnel
  39. Pedal Bin
  40. Moon
  41. Squeaky Toy
  42. Shoes
  43. Magic Wand
  44. Postcard
  45. Money Box
  46. Raincloud
  47. Envelope
  48. Cards
  49. Invitation
  50. Circle
  51. Furry Material
  52. Rainbow
  53. Lunch Bag
  54. Box of Coins
  55. Stepping Stones
  56. Treasure Chest
  57. Arrow
  58. Hairbrush
  59. Radio
  60. Yellow
  61. Music Box
  62. Keys
  63. Cuddle
  64. Bubbles
  65. Tune
  66. Star
  67. Glitter
  68. Snowflake
  69. Wrapping Paper
  70. Sleeping Bag
  71. Feather
  72. Tube
  73. Picture Book
  74. Building Blocks
  75. Hiccup
  76. Triangle
  77. Baby's Shoes
  78. Traffic Light
  79. Spinning Top
  80. Leaf
  81. Whisper
  82. Scarf
  83. Tin Tray
  84. Signpost
  85. Yawn
  86. Feather Boa
  87. Toy Phone
  88. Big Box
  89. Box of Straws
  90. Baby's Rattle
  91. Bird Song
  92. Door
  93. Handbag
  94. Apron
  95. Jack in the Box
  96. Broom
  97. Coconut
  98. Bucket and Spade
  99. Sand Timer
  100. China Plate

Series 2 (2003-04)

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  1. Trumpet
  2. Flag
  3. Glove
  4. Smell
  5. Purse
  6. White Line
  7. Silver Foil
  8. Coloured Block
  9. Stripy Towel
  10. Brown Paper Bag
  11. Quiet Place
  12. Bracelet
  13. Echo
  14. Bell Pull
  15. Maraca
  16. Alarm Clock
  17. Round Mat
  18. Feather Duster
  19. Trousers
  20. Snowman
  21. Kiss
  22. Chime Bars
  23. Tickle
  24. Egg Cup
  25. Pick Up Stick
  26. Horse Shoe
  27. Cactus
  28. Drum
  29. Curtains
  30. Rose
  31. Scrap Book
  32. Rugby Ball
  33. Smelly Sock
  34. Comb
  35. Cloth Bib
  36. Fan
  37. Ticket
  38. Plaster
  39. Musical Baton
  40. Small Box
  41. Bagpipes
  42. White Football
  43. Hoppy Ball
  44. Flowery Hat
  45. Chequered Flag
  46. Pop-Up Frog
  47. Tennis Ball
  48. Wheelbarrow
  49. Skipping Rope
  50. Snow Globe
  51. Red Tree
  52. Handbell
  53. Yellow Flag
  54. Three Bowls
  55. Bean Bag
  56. Pot of Glitter
  57. Pom's Triangle
  58. Acorn
  59. Pillow
  60. Top Hat
  61. Chalk and Board
  62. Kite
  63. Cowboy Hat
  64. Birthday Present
  65. Teddy Bear
  66. Blue Cloth
  67. Hole
  68. Toy Box
  69. Gold Star
  70. Shadow
  71. Dog Basket
  72. Umbrella
  73. Clockwork Mouse
  74. Yodelling Echo
  75. Seashell
  76. Shoelaces
  77. Cardboard Box
  78. Jelly
  79. Tinsel
  80. Gold Coin
  81. Stethoscope
  82. Rollerskate
  83. Wobbly Board
  84. Pumpkin
  85. Modelling Balloon
  86. Raindrop
  87. Widget
  88. Castanets
  89. Bead Counter
  90. Whistle
  91. Kazoo
  92. Joke Teeth
  93. Cold Place
  94. Pop-Up Book
  95. Chef's Hat
  96. Nodding Dog
  97. Queen's Crown
  98. Zills
  99. Wishing Stone
  100. Squiggle
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In 2004, The Roly Mo Show began airing on CBeebies. As with the original show, this series was also produced by Novel Entertainment[3] and stars Roly Mo and a cast of other characters including Roly's niece Little Bo. The Roly Mo Show concentrates on literacy and books and is made as an educational programme.

Fimbly Songtime, a shortened version of the programme featuring only the songs, has also aired in the past.[4] The programme has also erroneously been listed as Fimbles Songtime.[5]

A radio series titled Rockit's Pocket, featuring the Rockit character, aired on the long-gone CBeebies Radio strand on BBC Radio 7 (now BBC Radio 4 Extra) in 2009.

Horrid Henry, another Novel Entertainment program, has referenced the show and characters frequently throughout the series.

A live touring show produced by BBC Worldwide titled Fimbles Live! - It's A Party toured theatres across the United Kingdom from April–November 2006 and was devised by the playwright and author David Wood CBE. The show focused on the characters planning a party, with CBeebies presenter Sarah-Jane Honeywell as the special guest, being the first human to visit Fimble Valley.[6]

Merchandise

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BBC Worldwide signed a master toy deal with Mattel's Fisher-Price subsidiary for the series in May 2002.[7]

International airings

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Until the early 2010s, the series' distribution and marketing was handled by BBC Worldwide. After the deal expired, distribution reverted to Novel Entertainment.

In the Republic of Ireland, Fimbles was broadcast on Network 2 (later changed to RTÉ2 in 2004) as part of a lineup of programmes for younger children called The Den and started airing on 20 January 2003.

In Australia from 3 February 2003 to 30 September 2008, Fimbles was broadcast on ABC and its third digital channel ABC2.

Fimbles (핌블핌블) has been extremely popular in South Korea, where KBS 2TV broadcast the programme under a partnership with the BBC from 23 June 2003 to 29 October 2004. Yoo Sang-won directed the Korean dub, which led the show to become well-known and liked among Koreans at the time because of its both fun and educational aspects.

In Spain Fimbles was broadcast on La 2 from March 2004 until Late 2000s during Los Lunnis,[8] Starting from 2005, it was also shown on Playhouse Disney.

As of 1 June 2007 Fimbles (粉宝乐园) is being broadcast in China on Shanghai Media Group's children's network HAHA TV. All 200 episodes are being shown sequentially and dubbed in Mandarin Chinese. As the show in its original format is only 19 minutes long, the show has been lengthened by 5 minutes for the Chinese market.

In Vietnam, since 2008, Fimbles is a part of the show 5 Minutes to Learn English Everyday (5 phút học [tiếng Anh] mỗi ngày), which is produced by HTV4 together with many famous English centres and international schools. However, in VBC, it is a separate show named Những chú heo con Fimbles.

Since June 2008, the show has also been broadcast by Tata Sky DTH in India under a partnership with the BBC on the country's variant of the CBeebies channel.

In Colombia from 2004 and 2007, it was broadcast by Señal Colombia.

In New Zealand, the show was played on TV2.

In South Africa, Fimbles began airing on SABC 1.

In Singapore, it was broadcast by Central and played on their children's block Kids Central. The series aired in Singapore from 2003 to January 2006 and then on Okto in 2011.

In Hong Kong, the series was screened on TVB Pearl.

In Malta, Fimbles was aired on TVM.

In Thailand, the English version of the series was broadcast on Thai cable television TrueVisions (originally known as UBC at the time) on their children's network UBC Spark.

The show has aired on Bang Bang in Albania under the title "Fimbëllsat", with re-runs continuing to air as recently as 2012. It is dubbed in Albanian.

In Israel, Fimbles has been broadcast in Hebrew on the Hop! Channel, One of the voice artists of that dub is Ami Mandelman who also voiced Bert on Rechov Sumsum, and Goofy from The Mickey Mouse Series.

Awards

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Award nominations

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  • BAFTA Children's Awards 2003
    • Nominated for Best Pre-school Live Action Series[9]
  • BAFTA Children's Awards 2004
    • Nominated for Best Pre-school Live Action Series[10]

References

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  1. ^ "BBC - Press Office - Fimbles". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  2. ^ https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/the-fimbles/umc.cmc.4he3gkbcyy0uz8nb24b9g61tu [bare URL]
  3. ^ "Roly Mo | Novel Entertainment". www.novelentertainment.co.uk. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  4. ^ "Story Makers; Fimbly Songtime - CBeebies - 12 June 2007 - BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk. 12 June 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  5. ^ "The Story Makers - BBC Two England - 19 March 2007 - BBC Genome". genome.ch.bbc.co.uk. 19 March 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  6. ^ Fimbles Live fierylight.co.uk Archived 8 August 2021 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Day, Julia (8 May 2002). "Fimbles follow Tweenies onto the small screen". The Guardian.
  8. ^ "LA 2 DE TVE ESTRENA LOS FIMBLES". 13 March 2004.
  9. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees - Children's — Awards - 2003". BAFTA. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
  10. ^ "Past Winners and Nominees - Children's - Awards - 2004". BAFTA. Retrieved 17 March 2010.
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