Peppa Pig has become one of the first popular children’s TV shows in the UK to introduce a same-sex couple to its cast of characters.
During an episode of the beloved cartoon – which first aired on Channel 5 back in May 2004, and has been on our screens for over 18 years now – entitled ‘Families’, which was shown this week as part of the show’s seventh series, a lesbian couple was made a part of the cast when Penny the polar bear introduced her two mothers.
The introduction of the same-sex couple comes after an online petition to feature more LGBTQ+ characters on children’s TV shows went on to received over 23,000 signatures.
Many viewers took to social media to praise the decision to show an LGBT+ family for the first time in the cartoon show’s history.
During the episode, Peppa and her classmates are asked by their teacher to sketch pictures of their families to be put up on their classroom wall.
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When each student has their turn to introduce their family members and describe their jobs and characteristics, Penny sketches a portrait of her mothers and draws two female polar bears, who are both wearing dresses.
Peppa Pig features a same-sex couple for the first time on a children’s TV show / Credit: Channel 5
“I’m Penny Polar Bear. I live with my mummy and my other mummy,” Penny tells her classmates.
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“One mummy is a doctor and one mummy cooks spaghetti.”
Then, at the end of the episode, Penny the polar bear’s mothers are shown arriving with the other parents to pick up their children after school has finished.
After the episode aired, viewers took to social media in their thousands to praise the decision to show’s to feature an LGBTQ+ family for the first time, with one Twitter user claiming: “THIS is how young children should be taught about inclusion.
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“We don’t need to talk to them about sexuality. Just show all types of families. They’ll understand the rest when it’s appropriate.”
It comes after an petition to feature more LGBTQ+ characters on the show got over 23,000 signatures / Credit: Channel 5
Another added: “THERE ARE LESBIAN MOMS IN PEPPA PIG????? Adult shows struggle to do representation and Peppa pig are just out here giving us lesbian polar bears???”
On the flip side though, some other viewers have not reacted too favourably, with one commenting: “Hear that Peppa Pig now has same sex couples. They are literally pigs. Seriously world, stop trying to tick boxes. It’s so dumb”
“Ffs leave our f*****g kids alone,” another exclaimed.
Featured Image – Channel 5
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Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’
Emily Sergeant
Call yourself a clever clogs? The BBC is currently looking for contestants to take part in what is widely considered the hardest quiz show on TV.
That’s right – Only Connect is back for another series on BBC Two.
Presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell and first broadcast all the way back in 2008, Only Connect takes TV quizzing to the next level, as it sees two teams compete against each other by finding connections between seemingly unrelated clues.
In this quiz show – which viewers have dubbed one of the most challenging there is – knowledge only takes you so far, as the ability to think laterally is also deemed ‘vitally important’.
A casting call for the upcoming 2027 series has been shared on the BBC website, with people from Greater Manchester encouraged to apply.
Mancs wanted to take part in a new series of the ‘hardest quiz show on TV’ / Credit: BBC
The casting call reads: “The popular BBC Two quiz show presented by Victoria Coren Mitchell returns for a new series in 2027.
“Only Connect is seeking teams of three players OR single applicants or teams of two looking for like-minded teammates to pool their combined wits to solve fiendish conundrums and vexing puzzles.
“This is the quiz series where, as in life itself, knowledge will only take you so far: patience and lateral thinking are also vital. It’s all about making connections between things which may appear, at first glance, not to be connected at all.”
Reckon you’ve got what it takes then? Applications are now open, and all applicants must be aged 18 or over and a resident in the UK or Channel Islands.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands
Emily Sergeant
Students can get themselves up to 50% off on food, activities, and loads of big-name brands at the Trafford Centre next month.
With thousands of new and returning students starting to arrive for the new academic year at Greater Manchester‘s universities, one of the region’s biggest student nights will be making a long-awaited comeback for one night only next month – and there’ll be loads of exclusive offers and free entertainment to make the most of across the evening.
Taking over the Trafford Centre in early October, the popular one-off student night is happening in partnership with Student Beans, and gives cash-strapped students the chance to shop a variety of incredible discounts all under one roof.
Just some of the big brands offering big discounts include 25% off at Levi’s and Boux Avenue, 20% off at Gymshark, Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch, and 15% off at KIKO, Rituals, and Sephora.
It’s not just retail brands you’ll be able to save some pennies on either, as many of the Trafford Centre’s restaurants and cafes will also be offering discounts and freebies on the night too.
Alongside the offers, students can expect plenty of live entertainment and in-store experiences throughout the evening, including a DJ set and drinks at Calvin Klein, in-store fitness challenges and at Gymshark, an exclusive piercing event at Lovisa, and a Beauty Hub takeover at Sephora.
There’ll also be ‘spin-to-win’ opportunities at places like schuh, River Island, and YO! Sushi.
Massive student night returns to Trafford Centre next month with up to 50% off on big brands / Credit: Supplied
“Student Night is one of the highlights of our autumn calendar, and we’re excited to welcome students for an evening of brilliant offers and feel-good experiences,” explained Simon Layton, who is the Centre Director at the Trafford Centre.
“Whether they are updating their wardrobe, stocking up on beauty favourites, grabbing a bite to eat or enjoying the atmosphere with friends, there is plenty to discover across the centre.
“With simple transport links from Manchester city centre and across the region, Trafford Centre is the perfect place for a student night out.”
The Trafford Centre’s Student Night is happening on Thursday 1 October from 6-10pm, and students can now reserve themselves a spot by registering online HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
8th September 2022 
