Iconic 90s children TV show stars were ‘kidnapped and held for ransom’-Pierra Willix-Entertainment – Metro

A star of a 90s children’s TV show has revealed a plot to steal the iconic characters’ costumes (Picture: ABC)

A star of a beloved children’s TV series has revealed the Russian mafia stole the Bananas in Pyjamas costumes and demanded a ransom to return them.

First airing in 1992, the Australian series followed two anthropomorphic bananas named B1 and B2, who lived in the same neighbourhood as three teddy bears Amy, Luly and Morgan, and Rat in a Hat.

They were inspired by a 1969 song written for children by British composer Carey Blyton (nephew of acclaimed children’s author Enid Blyton) and was played on Play School for several years before the show focusing on them was developed.

However, one of the actors who played B1 for more than a decade has revealed a jaw-dropping plot to steal the iconic costumes.

Kenneth Radley has explained the thieving unfolded when an ABC, the channel on which the show aired, marketing boss took the costumes on a promotional trip overseas.

‘Grahame Grassby was the head of marketing and franchising…and Grahame went all over the world with some banana suits to get photo opportunities at places like London Tower and the White House, he said.

Bananas in Pyjamas ran from 1992 until 2001 (Picture: ABC)

‘He took the suits to Moscow … and the suits were stolen, and there was a ransom note given to Grassby for $100,000 Australian dollars for the return of the suits,’ he added when speaking to News.com.au.

The ransom notes for the costumes allegedly came from the Russian mafia.

Continuing to explain the story, Kenneth recalled how Grahame contacted his bosses questioning what he should do.

‘And the head of the ABC said, “well, we’re not gonna give them $100,000. How much do they cost to replace?” And Graham said, “they’re $20,000 to make”.’

The ABC executive was then said to have advised to offer the mafia $20,000 and if they refused the plan was to just get the suits replaced.

But after being wired through the money, Grahame apparently decided to back out while he was on his way to undertake the handover.

Instead, he decided to not turn up and instead ‘went straight to the airport’ to leave the country.

The Australian TV series was also broadcast in the UK (Picture: ABC)

‘So, the bananas are actually in some gulag in Russia, in some freezing cold jail,’ Kenneth quipped.

Bananas in Pyjamas ran for 304 episodes across six seasons before wrapping up in 2001.

A decade later a new CGI version hit screens and introduced new characters including Topsy the cheeky kangaroo, Charlie the inventive monkey and Bernard the wise old dog.

That reboot ran for 104 episodes.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Entertainment – MetroRead More