Paddington Bear: A worthy winner of Britain's best animated character?

His blue duffle coat, accompanied by a pair of shiny red wellingtons, topped off with a black hat, has been an iconic look for over 50 years. He helped to make marmalade sandwiches popular, and it could be argued he put Peru on the map. He is of course, Paddington Bear, and he was this week crowned Britain's best animated character of all time.

Paddington Bear has long been one of my favourite bear's. Sitting alongside Winnie the Pooh, Knut and the Hair Bear Bunch, he is perhaps one of the more wiser bears in the entertainment world. Never failing to regenerate himself after - he was first brought to our screens way back in 1958 - he remains an iconic figure for Britain.

So you would expect public opinion to be in support of his latest accolade, which he won at the 9th British Animation Awards in London this week. He's featured in books, TV shows and has had many teddy bears, toys and collectibles made, yet I was shocked to find outcry from some members of the public who criticised the win.

But why? Most arguments seem to centre around the fact that although Paddington Bear is iconic, he perhaps does not have the glamour of some of the other competitors. Characters such as Super Ted, Bagpuss, The Clangers, Mr Benn, Dangermouse and Postman Pat were all nominated alongside the lovable bear. All were hits in their day, with Postman Pat still clinging on to children's TV. All popular candidates for the award, but none so worthy as the great bear himself.

The likeable thing about Paddington was that he was, well, ordinary. Apart from being a kooky character with a love of marmalade and battered suitcases, the stories were easy to follow and promoted family values. They touched on issues such as adoption and class conflict with subtlety, with the first series using stop-motion animation to keep the audiences focus on the narration. Humour was of paramount importance, and the storylines always varied, keeping the audience's interest.

The best thing about Paddington, when compared to many of the animations we have today, is that he was not commercialised into an advertising machine. Yes, you could buy your very own Paddington Bear, but you did not see his face or logo printed on nappies to bananas like you do with more modern characters. Peppa Pig may have popular appeal, but if she was not advertised everywhere, would you know her?

The British public of today want a shiny star. Over the last few decades, it has been apparent that to succeed in children's TV, you need money and you need publicity. Similar to the celebrities of the real world, the concept is the same. Which is why so many of the characters of yesterday have left our screens, headed for the history books.

Yet Paddington remains. Like a cult rock artist, he is highly regarded by our nation. Maybe it is his outfit, his name or personality that keeps him familiar with people young or old? Who knows, but whatever he has, many of the other animators are keen to find it. As the old English proverb goes, 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow', and maybe Paddington is an example of this. He will never tire, certainly not in my eyes.

Pictures Courtesy of Wikipedia/ The Jourknow

Ten TV shows you should be watching

It's fair to say, I am a bit of a telly addict. Despite a heavy schedule of study, work and more study, I think it is fundamental to relax in front of my favourite shows after a hard days graft, and the list below is no exception. Featuring a mix of drama, comedy, reality tv and soaps, I hope these ten shows will interest you in watching them too.

1. Winners and Losers (ITV 2 - Tuesdays at 10pm) - This Australian series is one of the best things to come out of Australia since Holly Valance. Following the demise of soaps such as Neighbours and Home & Away, this series follows a group of four women who have won the lottery, and showing the ups and downs of having it all. Funny, sophisticated and glamorous, a great series with similarities drawn to shows such as Mistresses and Desperate Housewives.
2. The Voice (BBC 1 - starts 24th March) - The most talked about singing contest over the last year, international versions have been praised by the critics, and now it's coming to the UK. Featuring a line-up of mentors including Jessie J, Tom Jones and Will.I.Am, this costly show is hotly anticipated to dominate prime time Saturday nights, going up against rival ITV. A must watch if you hated X Factor last year.

3. The Apprentice (BBC1 - starts 21st March) - Sir Alan, Nick and Karen return next week for the brand new series of The Apprentice. With new candidates, new tasks and a new prize, the reality show should prove to be more popular then ever, hosted by the nation's most menacing, and most respected businessman.
4. Frost on Interviews (BBC4 - Tuesdays at 9pm) - This excellent new series featuring respected journalist and presenter Sir David Frost looks up-close at the role of the interviewer. Interesting, educational and inspiring, this show - featuring interviews with guests such as Michael Parkinson - uncovers the true grit of the natural interviewer.

5. Watchdog (BBC1 - starts tonight at 8pm) - The consumer programme, back again for another new series, is a favourite with the nation, as it promises to inform the audience of all the latest dodgy deals, high prices and rogue traders. Oh and 'the queen of mean' Anne Robinson presents, what else could you ask for in a programme.
6. Benidorm (ITV1 - Fridays at 9pm) - It pains me to admit that I am hooked on this series, but it really is pure comedy gold featuring the worst stereotypes of the British working class. Cringe or cry with laughter, the new series provides just as many laughs as the previous, award winning series. So grab your fake tan and Speedos, and settle down in front of the box.

7. New Girl (Channel 4 - Fridays at 8:30pm) - One of the most talked about shows to cross the pond from the States, this funny, warm-hearted show features the kooky, gorgeous Zooey Deschanel as Jess, a teacher living with her three male flat mates. It's easy to watch and enjoy.
8. White Van Man (BBC3 - Thursdays at 9:30pm) Another easy-to-watch programme, featuring the likeable Will Mellor, this second series of the comedy series follows the life of a builder, who drives a white van. Pretty self-explanatory, it's appealing with its simple plot line and comic situations.

9. Britain's Got Talent (ITV1 - starts 24th March) The talent show series returns, along with Simon Cowell, whose absence last year saw the series fail to attract as much media attention as it had done previously. With the likes of Alesha Dixon and David Walliams added to the judging panel, the refreshed look promises to be bigger and better as it competes against The Voice. Which will you watch?
10. Eastenders (BBC 1) Ok, nothing interesting has happened on screen for ages, but off screen, exciting plans are in-store for the soap. Executive producer Bryan Kirkwood has left the programme, to much delight from disgruntled viewers, and old stalwart Sharon Watts will be returning later in the year. I'm hoping a new producer will re-ignite the show, which has seen viewers turn off over the last few years.

Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia