Pipkins (1973-81)

When the show started on New Year's Day 1973, and called Inigo Pipkin, it featured an elderly puppet maker called Inigo Pipkin, played by George Woodbridge, and his assistant Johnny (Wayne Laryea). 

While filming the second series in March 1973, Woodbridge suffered a fatal heart attack. At the time, he had been filming episodes scheduled for later on in the run so earlier episodes were rewritten and explained Inigo's absence by saying he was on a fishing trip.

When series three opened with "Johnny's Flat, Hartley's Office" on August 5, 1974, the death of Inigo was worked into the programme. From this episode onwards, the show was renamed Pipkins and Inigo's assistant, Johnny, took over. The puppets, along with their young viewers, were guided through the experience of loss and grief, learning that, although Mr Pipkin was no longer with them, his love and teachings would endure. The decision to embrace such a difficult subject within the format of a children's programme was a radical choice, particularly at a time when death was largely considered a taboo topic for young audiences.

The direction of the programme changed, with the show ceasing to centre around a puppet workshop and the characters becoming the 'Help People', helping anyone in need of a hand. An episode called "Death of a Goldfish" again dealt with the topic of death, in regards to losing a pet. Topov the monkey and Johnny discussed why the goldfish died and why people die.

Johnny left towards the end of series 11, on June 1, 1978. The following episode saw the arrival of Tom, played by Jonathan Kydd. He was on the show until 1980 when he disappeared after episode one of the 14th series and immediately replaced by Peter Potter (Paddy O'Hagan). At this time, Sue Nicholls would make regular appearances as neighbour Mrs Muddle.