Sooty is a British children's slapstick television series that aired on CITV and the Mini CITV block from September 2011 to October 2018. It was later rerun on ITVBe's "Little Be" strand. It was the fifth such incarnation of the series to feature the titular character Sooty, following the previous series which ended in 2004. It is also the first since presenter Richard Cadell bought the licensing rights to the brand in 2008. This programme focuses on the storyline of the titular character, two of his puppet friends, and the presenter starting a new life running a holiday park known as Slater’s Holiday Park based at a British coastal resort. A fourth series has been commissioned and will now be produced by the ITV network itself. It is unknown yet when filming will begin.[1]
| Sooty | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Children's Slapstick comedy |
| Presented by | Richard Cadell |
| Starring | Sooty Sweep Soo |
| Voices of | Brenda Longman |
| Music by | Barrie Bignold |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 59 |
| Production | |
| Production locations | Brean Leisure Park, Somerset (series 1-3) Crealy Theme Park & Resort (special) |
| Running time | 11 minutes |
| Production companies | Tivoli Media Ltd (series 1-2) Cadells Ltd |
| Original release | |
| Network | CITV (Series 1-2) ITVBe (Series 3) |
| Release | 5 September 2011 – present |
| Related | |
| Sooty (2001–2004) | |
Premise
editThis series focuses on the storyline of Richard, the presenter starting a brand new job at "Slater's Holiday Park" set in a British coastal resort, along with Sooty (the titular character), Sweep and Soo.
Production
editThe series is filmed at Brean Leisure Park in Somerset, an amusement park that was co-owned by Cadell until 2014.
Cast
editMain
edit- Richard Cadell – he is the presenter of the show and is Sooty's best friend.
- Sooty – he is a mute yellow bear who is the protagonist. He owns a magic wand whose power is invoked using the words "Izzy wizzy, Let's get busy!"
- Sweep – a dim-witted grey dog with a penchant for bones and sausages. He communicates using bizarre squeaks.
- Soo – a calm and collected female panda who acts as the foil for both Sooty and Sweep. Usually wears a red skirt. She wears pink wellies as seen in an episode. Voiced by Brenda Longman.
Celebrity guests
edit- Celebrity guests in the pilot were Mark Roper, Brenda Longman and Wink Taylor.
- Celebrity guests in the first series were Stacey Solomon, Justin Lee Collins, Keith Chegwin, John Shuttleworth, Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee, Brendan Cole, Matthew Corbett, Frank Bruno, Jimmy Carlo, Norman Barrett and Ann Widdecombe.
- Celebrity guests in the second series include Joe Pasquale, Amy Childs, Caroline Quentin, Dave Benson Phillips, Brian Blessed, B*Witched, Richard Arnold, The Krankies, Helen Pearson and Stu Francis.
- Celebrity guests in the third series included Faye Tozer, John Challis, Peter Andre and Lisa Riley.
Episodes
editSeries overview
edit| Series | Episodes | Originally aired | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First aired | Last aired | |||
| 1 | 26 | 5 September 2011 | 16 November 2011 | |
| 2 | 26 | 7 September 2013 | 1 December 2013 | |
| 3 | 6 | 3 September 2018 | 8 October 2018 | |
Pilot (2009)
editThe series pilot, "The Big Day Out", was released in August 28, 2009. It concerns Richard, Sooty, Sweep, and Soo going on a trip to Brean, Somerset, but in true Sooty Show style – nothing goes to plan. It features Mark Roper, Brenda Longman, and Wink Taylor. Longman also reprised her role as "Mo" from the Sooty & Co. TV series.
Series 1 (2011)
edit| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "The Wedding" | 5 September 2011 | |
|
Richard's been acting differently all week, and Sooty and the gang are convinced he's getting married. There's just one problem - they haven't been invited! With the wedding only a day away, can Sooty and Sweep keep out of mischief and give Richard a day to remember? Featuring: Stacey Solomon | ||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Swimming Lesson" | 5 September 2011 | |
|
Sweep is scared of the water, and can't get his Frisbee when it lands in the sea. Luckily Richard is giving swimming lesson at the Holiday Park and Sooty is determined that Sweep will join in – if he stops sunbathing that is! Will Sweep take the plunge and overcome his fears? Featuring: Condo Piñata | ||||
| 3 | 3 | "The Great Race" | 6 September 2011 | |
|
It's the annual Go Kart Race at Slater's Holiday Park. When Richard and Sweep's kart goes up in smoke, Sooty and Soo enters the race in the campervan. But to win, they have to overcome the dirty tricks of cheating competitor Fred Firewheel. Featuring: Justin Lee Collins | ||||
| 4 | 4 | "Squeaky Clean" | 7 September 2011 | |
|
Mr. Slater is coming for tea, and Sooty's cleaning Richard's room, Sweep's in charge of the dishes, and all is set for a great evening. But with a crazy vacuum cleaner on the loose and Richard covered in paint and smashed crockery, their plans for a dream tea look set for disaster. Richard wants Mr. Slater to take charge, unfortunately, Mr. Slater calls to say that he's not coming. Featuring: Nelson Chu and Mara Fradella | ||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Farm" | 8 September 2011 | |
|
Richard's making donuts to sell on the park, but he's run out of eggs and milk - no thanks to Sooty and Sweep getting into a fight making the donut batter. Perhaps the local farmer and his chickens and cow can help? Sooty and the gang take a trip in the campervan to find out, but leave Richard in a rather messy situation. Featuring: Keith Chegwin | ||||
| 6 | 6 | "Poorly Soo" | 9 September 2011 | |
|
Soo's had an accident on her roller-skates and needs to stay in bed. Luckily Sooty and Sweep are on hand to bake Soo a cake, only with egg shells and pepper! Can Richard roll to the rescue, or is this another recipe for disaster? Featuring: Sandy Reynolds | ||||
| 7 | 7 | "The Souvenir Stall" | 12 September 2011 | |
|
The gang are opening a souvenir pottery stall at the park. After all the pottery accidentally gets smashed, Sooty tries to make some more using fresh clay. But things don't go quite to plan. Meanwhile, Soo and Sweep attempt to mend the pots and attract customers so that Richard doesn't lose his job. | ||||
| 8 | 8 | "The Alarm System" | 13 September 2011 | |
|
When Richard becomes concerned about security at the park, it's Sooty Security Services to the rescue. With trip-wires and traps set, Sooty's caravan has never been safer. But when the police arrive at the park, could it be Richard who is caught red-handed? Featuring: John Shuttleworth (Graham Fellows) | ||||
| 9 | 9 | "The Sports Day" | 14 September 2011 | |
|
It's the annual Sports Day, and Sooty and Sweep are competing for the Cup. After some disastrous training in the gym, they head out to the arena for an egg and spoon and sack race. The final sees the boys attempting to break the world record at the long jump – but who will win the day? | ||||
| 10 | 10 | "Sooty of the Seven Seas" | 15 September 2011 | |
|
Sooty and Sweep want to be pirates, and with a lick of paint and a new mast, their pirate boat is soon ready to sail. But can they defeat the fearsome pirate of the lake? | ||||
| 11 | 11 | "The Wendy House" | 16 September 2011 | |
|
Soo has lost her favourite necklace, and Sooty and Sweep are determined to cheer her up. With Richard's help, the boys decide to decorate her old Wendy house, but as always, paint, wallpaper, and glue go flying along the way. | ||||
| 12 | 12 | "The Magic Show" | 19 September 2011 | |
|
A broken wand forces Sooty to stop his magic show. With Sweep stuck in the sawing-in-half box and Richard transformed into a chicken, Sooty must put things right if he's going to impress world famous magician Paul Daniels and his assistant Debbie McGee. Featuring: Debbie McGee and Paul Daniels | ||||
| 13 | 13 | "Drive in the Country" | 20 September 2011 | |
|
It's Richard's day off and Sooty and Sweep have helped him prepare a picnic. But with "Sooty-Stig" driving the campervan, a flat tire and no petrol, will Richard ever get a peaceful drive in the country? | ||||
| 14 | 14 | "The Great Outdoors" | 31 October 2011 | |
|
Richard is taking the Children's Club on a camping trip into the country, but Sooty and Sweep sneak along too. With Sweep in charge of map reading and Sooty playing tricks with his magic wand, it's not long before things go wrong. Can the gang put up the tent and set out the barbecue before a thunderstorm arrives? | ||||
| 15 | 15 | "The Children's Party" | 1 November 2011 | |
|
It's the grand opening of Slater's Children's Club and Sooty, Sweep and Soo are helping Richard organize a party. Once the children arrive, it soon becomes clear that it's not going to be easy to keep them entertained. Sooty decides to play musical statues, but Sweep succeeds in messing everything up. Will Mr. Slater be happy or will Richard lose his job? | ||||
| 16 | 16 | "Down the Drain" | 2 November 2011 | |
|
There's no water at the park! The gang's shower has stopped working, and Richard is covered in mud. It's down to plumbers Sooty and Sweep to put things right in time for the opening of the new picnic area – but not everybody will stay dry. | ||||
| 17 | 17 | "Chocco Chimp" | 3 November 2011 | |
|
The prizes have disappeared from Mr. Slater's new crazy golf course, and Richard is puzzled. Before long, world famous detectives Sherlock Sooty and Doctor Watsit are called in to investigate, and set a trap to catch the thief who turns out to be their old friend, Matthew Corbett. Featuring: Matthew Corbett | ||||
| 18 | 18 | "Who's A Clever Bird?" | 4 November 2011 | |
|
Richard has booked a circus to entertain the guests, but it hasn't arrived, so Sooty asks the owner of the bird garden to save the day with his clever budgies. Finally, circus clowns Sooty and Sweep attempt to walk the tightrope – but will it be enough to entertain the guests? Featuring: Jimmy Carlo and Norman Barrett | ||||
| 19 | 19 | "Beach Patrol" | 7 November 2011 | |
|
Mr. Slater has put Richard in charge of the beach and the gang decide to join him. After jumping on the bouncy castle, Sooty, Sweep and Soo meet a friendly sand sculptor and have a sandcastle building competition. This lands poor Richard in deep water. Featuring: Frank Bruno | ||||
| 20 | 20 | "The New Poster" | 8 November 2011 | |
|
Richard is set to lose his job if business doesn't improve. Sooty and Sweep decide to make some new posters to advertise Slater's Holidays, and this means tricking Richard into having his photographs at the worst possible moments. What will the guests think of the disastrous results? | ||||
| 21 | 21 | "Pizza to Go" | 9 November 2011 | |
|
Sooty and the gang are put in charge of Mr. Slater's Pizza Parlour, only Soo would rather be a top fashion designer like Valentino Du Prado. As things go from bad to worse in the kitchen, pizzas start flying off the shelves – literally. Perhaps a special visitor can lend a hand? Featuring: Brendan Cole | ||||
| 22 | 22 | "The Runaway Bath" | 10 November 2011 | |
|
A mucky Sweep is told take a bath and clean himself up – only he gets his paw stuck in the tap. And when Sooty comes to the rescue in his campervan, the situation soon heads for disaster. Meanwhile, Richard is hoping to make a splash with Mr. Slater's donkey rides, but will he get more than he bargained for? | ||||
| 23 | 23 | "Run Rabbit Run" | 11 November 2011 | |
|
Richard is nervous when he finds out the park is due for an inspection. But when Sooty builds a robot called Harry to help him tidy, it's not long before everything is spotless. If only Soo's rabbit, Twinkle, wasn't on the loose... Featuring: Ken Morley | ||||
| 24 | 24 | "The New Ride" | 14 November 2011 | |
|
With the Lady Mayoress coming to open the Park's new ghost train, Sooty and the gang are determined to impress her. But when Richard's best suit is ruined and Sweep is in charge of the banners, it's a race against time to get everything ready. Featuring: Ann Widdecombe | ||||
| 25 | 25 | "The Marching Band" | 15 November 2011 | |
|
Richard is preparing a show that will blow everything away, and the gang are desperate to take part. But what can Sweep do? With his bagpipes and batons causing nothing but trouble, Sooty comes up with some mischief of his own. | ||||
| 26 | 26 | "Pop Concert" | 16 November 2011 | |
|
Richard is hosting a pop concert for one of his favourite singers, Maybe Goo Ga – only she hasn't arrived. With a crowd of people waiting to see her, it's up to the gang to keep them entertained. But as time ticks on, it's down to Sweep to take the stage and give the performance of a lifetime. | ||||
Series 2 (2013)
edit| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 1 | "Fitness Funatic" | 7 September 2013 | |
|
Richard is going to test out Slater's Fitness Centre in the grounds of the Holiday Park. But just as he leaves, Mr. Slater phones Richard to say that the fitness centre is short staffed that day - however, as Richard forgot his phone when he left, Soo answers and she, Sooty and Sweep step in to help out. Will their efforts make for success or failure? Featuring: Amy Childs | ||||
| 28 | 2 | "The New Building" | 8 September 2013 | |
|
A new toilet is being installed, with the official opening later that day. But with Sooty and Sweep in charge of the building work and Richard's clean suits quickly diminishing, will he be flushed with success or will it be a flash in the pan? | ||||
| 29 | 3 | "The Black Hand" | 14 September 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Joe Pasquale | ||||
| 30 | 4 | "Sooty's Space Rocket" | 15 September 2013 | |
| 31 | 5 | "Five Star Fish" | 21 September 2013 | |
|
A five star restaurant, Chez Soo, has opened up in the grounds of Slater's Holiday Park. Richard has been given the job of the head waiter and Maxine Gastro, a very close friend of Mr. Slater, is paying a visit. She fancies fish that day. But with Sooty and Sweep as head fishermen, will Maxine get what she ordered? Featuring: Caroline Quentin | ||||
| 32 | 6 | "The Early Night" | 22 September 2013 | |
| 33 | 7 | "The Genie" | 28 September 2013 | |
|
A Genie comes out a magic lamp that Sooty finds, and causes nothing but trouble. Featuring: Dave Benson Phillips | ||||
| 34 | 8 | "Easter Time" | 29 September 2013 | |
| 35 | 9 | "Sooty Takes Off" | 5 October 2013 | |
|
Richard bans Sooty, Sweep and Soo from attending the Junior Flyers' Club which he has been put in charge of. So Sooty and the gang go to the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Somerset and fly round the world. | ||||
| 36 | 10 | "The Fancy Dress Party" | 6 October 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Shaun Williamson | ||||
| 37 | 11 | "April Foolishness" | 12 October 2013 | |
|
It's April Fool's Day and Richard is determined not to be the biggest fool, like last year, by refusing to fall for any practical jokes in the air. | ||||
| 38 | 12 | "The Inventions Game" | 13 October 2013 | |
|
Featuring: John Thomson | ||||
| 39 | 13 | "Balancing Act" | 19 October 2013 | |
| 40 | 14 | "Cow Capers" | 20 October 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Stu Francis | ||||
| 41 | 15 | "The Rainy Day" | 26 October 2013 | |
|
Sooty and Sweep's green wellies are shown, while Soo has pink wellies. | ||||
| 42 | 16 | "The Haunted House" | 27 October 2013 | |
| 43 | 17 | "The Dance Competition" | 2 November 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Helen Pearson | ||||
| 44 | 18 | "Fireworks" | 3 November 2013 | |
| 45 | 19 | "It's A Dog's Life" | 9 November 2013 | |
|
Featuring: The Krankies | ||||
| 46 | 20 | "Record Breakers" | 10 November 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Richard Arnold | ||||
| 47 | 21 | "Some Holiday" | 16 November 2013 | |
| 48 | 22 | "Wacky Washing" | 17 November 2013 | |
| 49 | 23 | "The Silent Movie" | 23 November 2013 | |
| 50 | 24 | "Disco Disco!" | 24 November 2013 | |
|
Featuring: B*Witched | ||||
| 51 | 25 | "Panto Palaver" | 30 November 2013 | |
| 52 | 26 | "Pranks and Presents" | 1 December 2013 | |
|
Featuring: Brian Blessed | ||||
Series 3 (2018)
editOn 15 April 2018, the official Sooty Twitter account announced that a third series had been greenlit.[2] The series was filmed in June 2018 over a two-week period and began airing in September of the same year. This series airs on ITVBe's LittleBe programming strand instead of on CITV.
| No. overall | No. in series | Title [3] | Original air date [3] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 1 | "The Garden Party" | 3 September 2018 Starting Date: March 23, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Sooty plays Party in the garden. | ||||
| 54 | 2 | "Wash and Wax" | 10 September 2018 Starring Date: April 4, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Richard, Sooty, Sweep, and Soo have opened a hair salon and a car washing service at Slater's Holiday Park. Will their services bring filthy-rich revenue or prove to be a wash-out? Featuring: Lisa Riley | ||||
| 55 | 3 | "Who's Got Talent?" | 17 September 2018 Starring Date May 13, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Sweep starts ‘Who’s Got Talent?’ Show, but with first, Whoopie Cushion, second, Earth-shattering Sweep, and third, the talent show this afternoon. Featuring: Faye Tozer[3] | ||||
| 56 | 4 | "Wild Wild West" | 24 September 2018 Start Date: June 21, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Pest down trackers! Featuring: Peter Andre[3] | ||||
| 57 | 5 | "Jurassic Lark" | 1 October 2018 Date Starring: August 24, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Dinosooty and Jurassicsweep! | ||||
| 58 | 6 | "Just Desserts" | 8 October 2018 Date Started: September 20, 2019 (S10) | |
|
Sooty, Sweep, Soo took 3 dinners to Richard! Featuring: John Challis[3] | ||||
Season 4 (2022-2024)
editOn 21 February 2022, a special episode was produced to promote the upcoming "Sooty Land" theme park area at Crealy Theme Park & Resort, which opened on 28 May 2022.
| No. overall | No. in series | Title | Original air date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | 1 | "Crealy Magic" | 21 February 2022[4] | |
|
The gang go to Crealy Theme Park & Resort to perform a magic show. | ||||
International Broadcast
editIn October 2014, BBC Worldwide was appointed the licensor for the series in Australia and New Zealand.[5]
Home media
editThis section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2017) |
Region 2 DVDs have been released in the United Kingdom by Abbey Home Media.
| DVD title | Series(s) | Aspect ratio | Episode count | Total running time | Release date(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sooty Show[6] | 1 | 16:9 | 5 | 76 minutes | 13 August 2012 |
| The Sooty Christmas Special[7] | 1 | 16:9 | 5 | 75 minutes | 5 November 2012 |
| The Sooty Magic Show | 1 | 16:9 | 6 | 66 minutes | 4 March 2013 |
| The Children's Party | 1 | 16:9 | 5 | 60 minutes | 20 May 2013 |
| Run Rabbit Run | 1 | 16:9 | 5 | 55 minutes | 7 October 2013 |
| Fitness Funatic | 2 | 16:9 | 5 | 60 minutes | 27 January 2014 |
| Halloween Special | 2 | 16:9 | 5 | 60 minutes | 29 September 2014 |
| Panto Palaver | 2 | 16:9 | 5 | 60 minutes | 3 November 2014 |
| Christmas Crackers | 1 & 2 | 16:9 | 10 | 120 minutes | 26 October 2015 |
| Wacky Washing | 2 | 16:9 | 6 | 67 minutes | 21 March 2016 |
| It's a Dog's Life | 2 | 16:9 | 5 | 60 minutes | 15 May 2017 |
| Sooty’s Talent Show | 3 | 16:9 | 6 | 67 minutes | 22 October 2018 |
Planned movie
editA movie based on the series is due to be released in the future. The logline is, "Soo has been kidnapped by an evil showbiz impresario who will pull every trick in the book to turn her into a global superstar and Sooty and Sweep need her back." Brenda Longman announced in a Q&A with fans, that it is in pre–production, but she is not sure of a release date.[8]
References
edit- ^ "TV presenter sweeps up Sooty for £1m". The Guardian. London. 27 June 2008. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
- ^ "The Sooty Show on Twitter".
- ^ a b c d e "Sooty Series 3 episode guide". British Comedy Guide.
- ^ Sooty Land is coming to Crealy! – via YouTube.
- ^ "BBC Worldwide Signs With Sooty in Australia & New Zealand". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 9 October 2023.
- ^ "The Sooty Show". 13 August 2012 – via Amazon.
- ^ "The Sooty Christmas Special". 5 November 2012 – via Amazon.
- ^ "Izzy Wizzy let's get a movie: Sooty set for his big screen debut". Radio Times. 20 June 2014.