WHEN you think of a beloved British character, thoughts immediately go to Paddington Bear.
With his blue duffle coat and red wellies, the marmalade-sandwich eating teddy bear is loved my children and grown-ups across the UK and beyond.
Who is the voice of Paddington Bear?
Paddington Bear is voiced by actor Ben Whishaw.
He has provided the famous voice for the movies and 2020 animated series.
Ben also played Paddington in the sweet video of the famous bear meeting Queen Elizabeth II.
Ben has starred in a number of big budget movies over the years, including Layer Cake, The Danish Girl, and The Lobster.
Paddington Bear an iconic British character beloved by millions
One of his best-known roles is as Q in the James Bond franchise.
Ben first played the character in 2012’s Skyfall, taking over from John Cleese.
TEDDY TRIBUTE
Paddington Bear says ‘Thank you Ma’am’ in touching tribute to the Queen
He resumed the role in 2015’s Spectre and 2021’s No Time To Die.
In 2022 Ben returned to TV to BBC drama This Is Going To Hurt.
Who was the narrator on the Paddington TV series?
The original Paddington TV show first aired in 1976.
The show’s narrator was Michael Hordern who along with the famous bear, voiced all of the characters.
Michael, who passed away in 1995, was best known for being a Shakespearean actor.
What adaptations of Paddington have there been?
The late Michael Bond, who worked as a BBC cameraman for Blue Peter, was inspired to create Paddington Bear after buying a neglected teddy bear on Christmas Eve in 1956.
Michael decided to name the iconic bear after London Paddington Station – because he and his wife lived nearby at the time.
Paddington Bear’s first appearance was in the 1958 book A Bear called Paddington.
In the story, friendly bear Paddington was from Peru and was found abandoned by the Brown family, who take him in.
Paddington was sent to England by his Aunt Lucy who has gone to live in the Home for Retired Bears in Lima.
On the big screen their have been two movies, which were released in 2014 and 2017.
On TV, the original series of Paddington ran from 1976 until 1980.
In 2020, he was back on the small screen again for another animated adventure.
There have also been various Canadian and American adaptations.
