\n The eco-friendly characters, created in 1968 by children\u2019s author Elisabeth Beresford, will relaunch this summer as part of a full-scale global revival that includes new YouTube content blending original 1970s episodes with contemporary live-action and influencer-led shows.\n<\/p>\n
\n Originally made famous by the BBC\u2019s 1973 stop-motion series, the loveable Wimbledon Common dwellers became cultural icons for their environmental message about reusing and recycling objects they found.\n<\/p>\n
\n Neil Blair, founding partner and agent at The Blair Partnership, which now manages The Wombles\u2019 rights, said: “The Wombles is an iconic British brand with strong cultural appeal, distinctive characters with core values that translate and resonate globally.\n<\/p>\n
\n “It is a rich content opportunity and, with rights now aligned plus a clear development pipeline in place, the property is ideally positioned for expansion across multiple platforms and categories.\n<\/p>\n
\n “We see significant potential to build The Wombles into a multiplatform international franchise for a new generation of audiences.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The relaunch will see the original 1970s episodes made available on a new official YouTube channel, alongside fresh content in live-action and digital formats.\n<\/p>\n
\n This will include collaborations with social media influencers and young presenters, who will explore themes of reuse and sustainability through arts, crafts, cooking, and gardening.\n<\/p>\n
\n The Wombles are coming back!<\/p>\n
If they emerged from Wimbledon Common this morning, what piece of rubbish do you think they’d be most shocked to find?<\/p>\n
Riverside Breakfast with @JasonRosam<\/a> and @thamesclippers<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfb DAB+ \n \u2014 Riverside Radio (@ThisisRiverside) June 17, 2026<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n A first-look image from the new content reveals updated versions of some of the most familiar characters.\n<\/p>\n \n These include Orinoco in his trademark red hat, Wellington the scientist, and Alderney, named after the Channel Island where Beresford spent her later years.\n<\/p>\n \n Unlike the classic stop-motion series narrated by Bernard Cribbins, the new Wombles will be brought to life using digital animation.\n<\/p>\n \n Plans for the franchise go well beyond YouTube.\n<\/p>\n \n The Blair Partnership has consolidated all intellectual property rights for The Wombles and is developing an interactive digital game, audio productions featuring celebrity casts, new storybooks, and expanded merchandise.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n There are also opportunities for television, film, theatre, live events, and mobile apps.\n<\/p>\n \n This is not the first attempt to modernise The Wombles.\n<\/p>\n \n In 2020, the characters were redesigned to reflect greater diversity, including a darker-skinned Wellington and a social media presence that promoted International Women\u2019s Day and climate action.\n<\/p>\n \n The reboot was dubbed the “Woke Wombles” by some.\n<\/p>\n \n At the time, Beresford\u2019s son Marcus Robertson criticised the changes, calling them “insulting to her memory.”\n<\/p>\n \n Recommended reading:\n<\/p>\n \n Jeremy Clarkson issues heart breaking cancer update<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n ITV respond to rumours that Jack Shepherd is taking break<\/a>\n<\/p>\n
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