Bodger and Badger is something of a rarity in children's TV comedy. Not many other kids' sitcoms can boast the twin distinctions of running for ten years and achieving a lasting cult status.
But from its broadcast in 1989, the varied slapstick capers of odd-job man Simon Bodger and his mashed potato-loving pet quickly became a CBBC staple, and it's still loved both by twenty-somethings who remember it fondly from their own childhood and students tuning in religiously to daytime reruns.
Across nine series the unlikely pairing of Bodger and his badly behaved (puppet) friend were put in a whole host of tricky scenarios, moving between several workplaces depending on where the handyman could find a job and (in earlier seasons) keep Badger's existence hidden.
These included a food joint called 'Troff's Nosherama' and a primary school (Letsby Avenue Junior) before the duo became more ambitious, eventually opening their own seaside guesthouse.
As the show evolved, the spotlight shifted from Bodger's work and concentrated instead on Badger's wacky antics, often involving his slow-witted, cheese-loving friend Mousey.
But what never changed, though, was Badger's ceaseless ability to get into all manner of trouble regardless of the situation.
Actor Andy Cunningham was not only the show's human star as Simon and Badger's ventriloquist, but he also created the series and wrote most of the scripts.
Chalking up one hundred and twenty-four episodes of fifteen-minute slapstick fun (yes, more than an entire day's worth!), this was no mean feat.
Maintaining a retro feel which recalled The Basil Brush Show, several recurring characters were introduced throughout its decade-long history (including Bodger's animal-hating landlady Mrs Dribelle and her niece Vicky, another big fan of mashed potato), and Bodger and Badger ended up earning an affectionate place in viewers' memories, together with its insanely catchy theme tune.
Its continuing cult popularity shows little sign of abating, and has even led to a tour of British universities and an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival!
