The colourful world of the Teletubbies is etched into the memories of millions who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With their distinctive shapes, playful nature, and made-up language, the characters of Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po quickly became cultural icons in British children’s television following their 1997 debut.
Broadcast on the BBC, the original Teletubbies captivated audiences with its surreal visuals, cheerful tone, and the ever-smiling Sun Baby. The show’s appeal lay in its simplicity and absurdity — from the bizarre Voice Trumpets that narrated the episodes to the Teletubbies’ infectious laughter and clumsy adventures. Yet, not all episodes were as innocent as they seemed. One particular scene had to be reworked due to being considered too suggestive, leading to the ban of an episode that stirred unexpected controversy.
The series enjoyed a successful run until 2001, before being brought back for a new generation between 2015 and 2018. Most recently, in November, Netflix launched its own version of the show, introducing a fresh look while still maintaining the essence of the original. But as the franchise continues to evolve, many fans are left wondering — where are the original actors who brought these beloved characters to life?
Tinky Winky – Dave Thompson and Simon Shelton
The character Tinky Winky, the tallest of the four with a purple outfit and a triangular antenna, was originally portrayed by comedian Dave Thompson. However, Thompson left the production early in the show’s run due to creative differences with the producers. He was replaced by Simon Shelton, a trained ballet dancer and actor.
Shelton brought a graceful physicality to the role, remaining in the costume for the majority of the show’s original airing. Tragically, Simon Shelton passed away in 2018 at the age of 52 due to hypothermia. His death shocked fans and co-stars alike, who remembered him as a kind and talented performer.
Dipsy – John Simmit
Dipsy, the green Teletubby with a straight antenna and a fondness for his black-and-white hat, was played by comedian and DJ John Simmit. After Teletubbies, Simmit continued working in entertainment, particularly within stand-up comedy. He also became involved in promoting Black British comedy talent, founding events and platforms to showcase underrepresented voices.
Though he has distanced himself from the character in recent years, Simmit remains active in the arts and often reflects on his time in the costume as both physically demanding and culturally significant.
Laa-Laa – Nikky Smedley
Laa-Laa, the yellow Teletubby known for her love of singing and her orange ball, was portrayed by dancer and choreographer Nikky Smedley. Her background in performance and movement made her a natural fit for the role, which required exaggerated, expressive gestures to convey emotion without words.
After her time as Laa-Laa, Smedley went on to work behind the scenes in children’s media, contributing to educational content and storytelling. She has also spoken openly about the importance of creating quality programming for young audiences and continues to support creative projects for children.
Po – Pui Fan Lee
The smallest of the Teletubbies, red-clad Po with her scooter and circular antenna, was played by British-Chinese actress Pui Fan Lee. Following her work on Teletubbies, Lee transitioned into presenting, most notably as a host on the BBC’s CBeebies.
She remained a familiar face to children long after Po’s adventures ended, and has since appeared in various television roles, including acting parts in mainstream series. Lee has also spoken about the challenges and joys of representing diversity in children’s television.
