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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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
8th September 2022 
