Bear Facts

Last week I revealed how miffed Paddington Bear was at being left out of Channel 4's list of the best 100 Kids' TV shows. I have since received a copy of Paddington's Action Club magazine, published by Action Research, the medical charity for which Paddington has worked full-time since retiring from broadcasting. And in its pages I came upon the most interesting fact I have ever heard.

Paddington Bear, as you know, is a fluffy-haired fellow with a penchant for slightly outmoded casual wear, who has a tendency to over-indulge his vices and does not suffer fools gladly. Is it any wonder, then, that Michael Bond's bear was first made into a toy by Jeremy Clarkson's mother?

Why were we not told? We all knew that Emma Thompson's Dad did The Magic Roundabout -a piffling trivium by comparison.

Clarkson's Ma created the Padster. I just can't believe it. And how funny that he is Paddington Bear. Shirley Clarkson's other creation -young Jeremy - wouldn't be seen dead in a railway station.

Times, The (United Kingdom), Sep 04, 2001