The owners of the Wombles rights are producing a new TV series and a feature-length film, and secondary character Alderney will be a major part in the new productions.
Son of Wombles creator Elisabeth Beresford, Marcus Robertson, said that his mother created the Wombles in the 1960s to find an answer to Paddington Bear.
The launch of the Paddington films took the character up to a new level, and if the Wombles are even half as successful, it will put Alderney on the map worldwide.
‘Alderney will be front and centre. This could be great for Alderney. If people like Alderney Womble, then Alderney is the natural place for people to visit,’ said Mr Robertson.
‘Social media ensures families with young children from all over the world will be keen to visit Alderney, not just because of Alderney Womble, but also because Mum wrote most of her Womble stories when living in Alderney for 32 years.
‘Most visitors will likely have never been to the Channel Islands, and if they’re visiting they’ll likely visit other islands too, bringing more benefits.’
All of the Womble characters are based on members of the Beresford family.
Orinoco takes after Mr Robertson and Alderney was introduced to the character line-up when Mr Robertson married his wife Marianne in the 1990s.
‘We need more female Wombles. Alderney will be front and centre and, like Marianne, will be a very green Womble,’ said Mr Robertson.
‘It’s great for the family. Great Uncle Bulgaria is based on my grandfather, who has been dead for more than 50 years, so when I watch it and see him interact with Orinoco, it’s as if he’s still here.’
The new productions are now at script stage and will hopefully reach screens over the next few years.
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