28 June 2023 , 10:28
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A beloved children's TV show is set to make a comeback after decades off screen.
The Famous Five is due to be rebooted but there are going to be multiple changes to make sure it is suitable for a modern audience.
The new version is set to be suitable for "progressive new audiences" with certain words and references to be removed.
Enid Blyton's stories inspired the TV version which ran for two series in 1978 on ITV.
BBC bosses are going to ditch words that could be deemed offensive such as queer, gay and brown, even if they have been used in contexts that don’t refer to sexuality or race.
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The show is based on the books (ITV)Showrunner Nicolas Winding Refn said: "All my life I’ve fought vigorously to remain a child with a lust for adventure.
"By reimagining The Famous Five, I am preserving that notion by bringing these iconic stories to life for a progressive new audience, instilling the undefinable allure and enchantment of childhood for current and future generations to come."
Even though there is to be changes to the original version of the show, director of BBC Children's and Education, Patricia Hidalgo said it is a "celebration of British heritage".
She said: "Bringing these books to life with a new reimagining of The Famous Five is a real treat for BBC audiences and a celebration of British heritage.
"These stories are loved around the world and bringing families together is a key part of our strategy so we hope it introduces a new generation of viewers to these wonderful adventures."
As Producer Will Gould added: "In the hands of Nicolas and Matthew this Famous Five will be a modern, timely and irreverent action series with adventure at its heart."
The new version of The Famous Five will return as three 90-minute episodes.
Casting is yet to be announced but the BBC has told viewers it will involve "remarkable mysteries and unparalleled danger".
The story follows the adventures of a group of young children, Julian, Dick, Anne, George and their dog Timmy.
The group tends to go on adventures together while they're on their school holidays.
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