Every episode of Bagpuss finally coming to iPlayer to be loved by a new generation of kids (and adults)

Easily one of the most adored children’s TV shows of all time, Bagpuss will be coming to BBC iPlayer for a new generation of kids to love.

The limited series, following a pink and white striped cat, was first broadcast in 1974 and set in a shop filled with lost property, as young owner Emily hoped to return each misplaced item to its owner.

But when Emily left the shop, ‘saggy, old cloth cat’ Bagpuss and his many inanimate object friends come to life.

In each episode, Bagpuss and pals repair a broken object and display in the shop window ready for its owner to retrieve in a better condition than when they lost it.

‘It doesn’t matter whether you grew up with Bagpuss, or it’s your first time visiting Emily’s shop – Bagpuss is one for all the family to enjoy,’ said Patricia Hidalgo, Director, Children’s & Education at BBC.

‘It’s great to be bringing this timeless series to iPlayer and it joins a fantastic selection of classic and new shows for all ages.’

The first ever episode of Bagpuss will also be shown on BBC Four this Sunday as part of an evening of classic children’s shows.

Oliver Postgate, creator of Bagpuss, was also behind other classics such as The Clangers and Noggin The Nog.

Artist and puppet maker Peter Firmin recently explained the inspiration behind Bagpuss after working with Postgate on a slew of children’s shows.

‘Bagpuss was also a character that I had in my head. I’d drawn him and named him but I hadn’t got a role for him,’ he told Radio Times.

‘It was Oliver’s idea that cats sit in shop windows and bask in the sun… then we asked, “Who should run this shop?” and he looked around and there was [Peter’s daughter] Emily, aged seven at the time and he said, “You’ve got her already, she’s there!”

‘Oliver and I went to Cardiff years ago for a puppet week. I took Bagpuss and all the girls practically swooned and wanted to hug him. I thought it amazing that an old saggy cloth cat should have that sort of reaction, but it does. Even today.’

Bagpuss will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday May 30.