Fimbles
| Company type | Children's television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | September 23, 2002 |
| Founder | Novel Entertainment |
| Defunct | September 24, 2004 |
| Headquarters | Berkshire , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, South Korea, Spain, China, Vietnam, India, Colombia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malta, Thailand, Albania, Israel |
| Products | Television series |
| Parent | Novel Entertainment |
| Website | www |
Fimbles is a children's television program from the United Kingdom, developed and produced by Novel Entertainment. The show consists of 200 episodes that originally aired between September 23, 2002, and September 24, 2004, with reruns continuing on CBeebies until early 2012. It follows the adventures of three enchanting characters—Fimbo, Florrie, and Baby Pom—residing in the lively Fimble Valley. Filming took place at Bray Studios located in Berkshire.
This series has been broadcast across more than 100 countries worldwide, including Canada, China, and various nations throughout mainland Europe.
Overview
The narrative revolves around three magical creatures known as the "Fimbles," which resemble a combination of hippos, pigs, or tapirs. These characters are brought to life by performers wearing animatronic costumes and are primarily distinguished by their different colors and sizes. They embark on explorations within Fimble Valley, guided by a unique "sixth sense" activated when the bell-shaped blossoms of the Tinkling Tree chime. This sensation, called the "Fimbling Feeling," directs them toward objects or events to investigate. Each episode's story is propelled by these discoveries and the imaginative play that follows. Additional large puppet characters support the Fimbles throughout their journeys.
The design of the Fimbles takes inspiration from the antagonists featured in Lucy Anna and the Finders, a creation of Sarah Hayes. Although Hayes is credited and contributed to adapting these characters for television, the original Finders differ significantly in character from the Fimbles.
Characters
- Fimbo – The eldest and tallest male Fimble, characterized by yellow coloring with green stripes. He enjoys playing his Shimmi Shaker instrument and eating crumble crackers. Performed by John Tobias, Steve Poole, and Adam Blaug; voiced by Aidan Cook.
- Florrie – A blue Fimble with purple stripes who loves singing and carries a doll named "Little One." Portrayed by Jenny Hutchinson, Leah Green, and Holli Hoffman; voiced by Shelley Longworth (Season 1) and Kate Harbour (Season 2).
- Baby Pom – The youngest green Fimble adorned with pink stripes, possessing a toddler-like demeanor. Often seen pushing the "Trundle Truck" while following the others. Operated by Samantha Dodd and Denise Dove; voiced by Tamsin Heatley.
- Bessie – A chubby pink bird living near the waterfall who recaps each episode and reveals discovered items. Known for yodeling in "Yodelling Echo." Puppeteered by Neil Sterenberg, Steven Kynman, and Robert Skidmore; voiced by Tamsin Heatley.
- Roly Mo – A mole with purple and green stripes who owns an extensive underground library, sharing books with the Fimbles every episode. Puppeteered by Neil Sterenberg and Iestyn Evans; voiced by Wayne Forester.
- Rockit – An inquisitive blue tree frog full of energy. Puppeteered by Simon Buckley and Katherine Smee; voiced by Wayne Forester.
- Ribble – An orange fluffy chick who is Bessie's offspring and communicates through squeaks understood by others. Operated by Garry Rutter, Dan Carlisle, and Matthew Lyons; voiced by Tamsin Heatley.
Episodes
The entire series includes 200 episodes.
Series 1 (2002-03)
- Jingly Hat
- Wig
- Tambourine
- Suitcase
- Tissues
- Spots
- Blue
- Wellington
- Hoop
- Woolly Hat
- Puzzle
- Red
- Red Nose
- Ball
- Shiny Button
- Tent
- Watering Can
- Pebbles
- Hooter
- Cotton Wool
- Party Hat
- Wind
- Mirror
- Sock
- Wooden Spoon
- Shopping Basket
- Cushion
- Sticky Patch
- Windmill
- Clockwork Toy
- Gnome
- Balloon
- String
- Russian Dolls
- Sunbeam
- Picture Frame
- Reflection
- Funnel
- Pedal Bin
- Moon
- Squeaky Toy
- Shoes
- Magic Wand
- Postcard
- Money Box
- Raincloud
- Envelope
- Cards
- Invitation
- Circle
- Furry Material
- Rainbow
- Lunch Bag
- Box of Coins
- Stepping Stones
- Treasure Chest
- Arrow
- Hairbrush
- Radio
- Yellow
- Music Box
- Keys
- Cuddle
- Bubbles
- Tune
- Star
- Glitter
- Snowflake
- Wrapping Paper
- Sleeping Bag
- Feather
- Tube
- Picture Book
- Building Blocks
- Hiccup
- Triangle
- Baby's Shoes
- Traffic Light
- Spinning Top
- Leaf
- Whisper
- Scarf
- Tin Tray
- Signpost
># Yawn ># Feather Boa ># Toy Phone ># Big Box ># Box of Straws ># Baby's Rattle ># Bird Song ># Door ># Handbag ># Apron ># Jack in the Box ># Broom ># Coconut ># Bucket and Spade ># Sand Timer ># China Plate
Series 2 (2003–04)
- Trumpet
- Flag
- Glove
- Smell
- Purse
- White Line
- Silver Foil
- Coloured Block
- Stripy Towel
- Brown Paper Bag
- Quiet Place
- Bracelet
- Echo
- Bell Pull
- Maraca
- Alarm Clock
- Round Mat
- Feather Duster
- Trousers
- Snowman
- Kiss
- Chime Bars
- Tickle
- Egg Cup
- Pick Up Stick
- Horse Shoe
- Cactus
- Drum
- Curtains
- Rose
- Scrap Book
- Rugby Ball
- Smelly Sock
- Comb
- Cloth Bib
- Fan
- Ticket
- Plaster
- Musical Baton
- Small Box
- Bagpipes
- White Football
- Hoppy Ball
- Flowery Hat
- Chequered Flag
- Pop-Up Frog
- Tennis Ball
- Wheelbarrow
- Skipping Rope
- Snow Globe
- Red Tree
- Handbell
- Yellow Flag
- Three Bowls
- Bean Bag
- Pot of Glitter
- Pom's Triangle
- acorn
#Pillow #Top Hat #Chalk and Board #Kite #Cowboy Hat #Birthday Present #Teddy Bear #Blue Cloth #Hole #Toy Box #Gold Star #Shadow #Dog Basket #Umbrella #Clockwork Mouse #Yodelling Echo #Seashell #Shoelaces #Cardboard Box #Jelly #Tinsel #Gold Coin #Stethoscope #Rollerskate #Wobbly Board #Pumpkin #Modelling Balloon #Raindrop #Widget #Castanets #Bead Counter #Whistle #Kazoo #Joke Teeth #Cold Place #Pop-Up Book #Chef's Hat #Nodding Dog #Queen's Crown #Zills #Wishing Stone #Squiggle
Related material and spin-offs
In 2004, Novel Entertainment launched The Roly Mo Show on CBeebies, spotlighting Roly Mo alongside his niece Little Bo. The series emphasizes literacy and book-related themes as part of its educational content.
A shortened musical adaptation titled Fimbly Songtime, which features only songs, has also been broadcast. Occasionally, this version has been incorrectly referred to as Fimbles Songtime.
In 2009, the character Rockit headlined a radio series named Rockit's Pocket, which aired on BBC Radio 7’s former CBeebies Radio segment, now known as BBC Radio 4 Extra.
The animated series Horrid Henry, produced by Novel Entertainment, has made multiple nods to the Fimbles program and its characters.
BBC Worldwide developed a live stage production titled Fimbles Live! - It's A Party, which toured theatres across the United Kingdom from April through November 2006. Written by David Wood CBE, the show revolved around the characters organizing a party and featured CBeebies presenter Sarah-Jane Honeywell as the first human visitor to Fimble Valley.
Merchandise
In May 2002, BBC Worldwide secured an exclusive toy license for the series with Mattel’s Fisher-Price division.
International airings
Distribution and marketing responsibilities were handled by BBC Worldwide until the early 2010s; following the conclusion of this arrangement, Novel Entertainment assumed control over distribution.
In the Republic of Ireland, Fimbles was broadcast on Network 2 (later renamed RTÉ2) starting 20 January 2003 as part of the children’s programming block The Den.
The series aired in Australia on both ABC and ABC2 from 3 February 2003 until 30 September 2008.
In South Korea, Fimbles (핌블핌블) became notably popular on KBS 2TV between June 2003 and October 2004. The Korean-language version, directed by Yoo Sang-won, was praised for its educational value combined with entertainment.
On Spain’s La 2, the show was featured starting March 2004 within the children's program Los Lunnis, later moving to Playhouse Disney in 2005.
Since June 1, 2007, all 200 episodes of Fimbles (粉宝乐园) have aired on Shanghai Media Group’s HAHA TV in China with Mandarin dubbing. For this market, each episode was extended by an additional five minutes.
In Vietnam, beginning in 2008, Fimbles has been included in 5 Minutes to Learn English Everyday, produced by HTV4 in collaboration with international schools. It also broadcasts independently under the title Những chú heo con Fimbles on VBC.
From June 2008 onward, the show has been available on India’s Tata Sky DTH platform via the CBeebies channel through a partnership with the BBC.
Between 2004 and 2007, Colombia’s Señal Colombia network aired the series.
In New Zealand, it was shown on TV2, while in South Africa, it appeared on SABC 1.
In Singapore, Fimbles was part of Central channel's children's segment Kids Central from 2003 until January 2006 and later returned on Okto in 2011.
The program also broadcast on TVB Pearl in Hong Kong, on Malta’s Television Malta (TVM), and in English on Thailand’s TrueVisions UBC Spark cable network.
An Albanian dubbed version called Fimbëllsat aired on Bang Bang channel with reruns continuing at least through 2012.
In Israel, the Hebrew-dubbed edition was shown on the Hop! Channel, featuring voice actors including Ami Mandelman.
Nominations
- BAFTA Children's Awards 2003
- Contended for Best Pre-school Live Action Series
- BAFTA Children's Awards 2004
- Contended for Best Pre-school Live Action Series
External links
- Fimbles on Novel Entertainment
- 2000s British children's television series
- 2000s preschool education television series
- 2002 British television series debuts
- 2004 British television series conclusions
- 2002 Irish television series debuts
- 2004 Irish television series conclusions
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- BBC children's television shows
- British preschool education television series
- Irish preschool education television series
- British television shows adapted from children's books
- Television series about children
- British television programs featuring puppetry
- Irish television programs featuring puppetry
- British English-language television shows
- CBeebies original programming