Intro
Who is Sooty
Sooty, a small yellow bear with black ears, is mute to the audience but can communicate with his operator by apparently whispering in his ear. He first appeared on screen in 1952.
The original bear was completely yellow, and he had his ears and nose covered with soot so that he would show up better on black and white television – hence his name. He would later be joined by other characters Sweep (a dog who communicates by a squeek, Soo (a shy and sweetly spoken panda), Kipper (a cat), Butch (another dog ), Ramsbottom (a slipery snake), and Cousin Scampi.
Why we love Sooty
Sooty’s personality varies: he can be kind, cheeky and sometimes naughty, very often misinterpreting things said or suggested by Harry (his Dad), Matthew (son of Harry) or Soo (possibly intentionally). He plays the xylophone and keeps a wand with which he performs magic. This is accompanied by the catchphrase “Izzy wizzy, let’s get busy!”
He’s also very good with a water pistol! Every show ends with the line “Bye bye everybody, bye bye”.
Sooty and Charity
For many years Sooty has featured on the charity collecting boxes for the RNIB
As I kid growing up you love the fun that Sooty and Sweep can bring to your childhood but why should the fun end there? Sooty’s always got time for a chat and time to share your troubles and Sweep: well he will squeek whatever the weather