BBC is to reboot classic children's show Play School after 38 years off air, with original toys returning

From the Newshound archive · first published 25 September 2026 · last updated 26 September 2026.

The BBC has put out a call to production companies to pitch a new version of Play School, the pre-school staple that ran for 6,866 episodes between 1964 and 1988. The corporation wants 50 episodes across 2027 to 2029, each 14 minutes long to suit modern viewing habits. Baroness Floella Benjamin, who made her name presenting the original series, said she was "so thrilled" by the news. The pitch document confirms that the original toys — Humpty, Jemima, Big Ted, Little Ted and Hamble — must feature in any reboot proposal.

The BBC wants a 'new and modern take' on the classic format, keeping songs, stories and direct-to-camera presenting.

Production companies are free to pitch animation or new characters alongside the iconic original toys.