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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Aldi’s viral garlic bread-flavoured crisps are now back in stores across the UK
Emily Sergeant
No one tell Peter Kay, but Aldi has brought back one of its most viral crisps… garlic bread.
Admit it, you heard that in the Bolton comedian’s voice when you read garlic bread then, didn’t you? Oh yeah, and they’re also only £1.15 per big sharer bag.
The budget supermarket chain is absolutely no stranger to bringing out some weird and wonderful food concoctions, many of which have seen shoppers flocking to their nearest store – but judging by reaction on social media and their popularity over the years, it sounds like Aldi has properly knocked it out the park with this creation.
By combining two of Brits’ most beloved food obsessions, garlic bread and crisps, Aldi has created the ultimate snacking combination, and they’re now back on shop shelves across the UK after going viral when they were first released back in 2024.
Aldi has just launched new garlic bread-flavoured crisps / Credit: The Manc Group | Rawpixel
If you’re looking to get your hands on a bag, then you can expect the crisps to be ‘packed full of fin-gar-lickin’ good flavour’, according to the retailer.
Shoppers are then hit with the delicious taste of smoky garlic, all while ‘experiencing the hearty crunch’ that’s known to come with Aldi’s premium Specially Selected crinkle cut crisp style.
When the crisps were first released a few years back, a couple members of The Manc team headed to our local Aldi store on Market Street in the city centre to grab a packet of the new crisps – and we can confirm that they are, in fact, garlicky.
Aldi’s calling them the ‘perfect dinner party nibble’ or the ‘ultimate partner to any summer picnic’, and to be honest, we couldn’t agree more.
We’re gonna say it… run don’t walk to your nearest Aldi store.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Jessie Ware announces biggest-ever headline tour, including massive Manchester arena show
Danny Jones
Beloved British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware has just announced her biggest headline tour to date, including a massive arena show right here in Manchester.
She’s back with a bang, all right…
The solo star revealed the title and album cover for her sixth studio LP, Superbloom, in late January, and with the release date now fast approaching (Friday, 17 April), she’s gearing up for some truly huge gigs, both domestically and across Europe.
Set to make her Co-op Live debut later this year – the venue having booked so many big names already for 2026 – her Manc comeback can’t come soon enough.
Commenting on the announcement, the award-winning UK artist said: “I am so excited to be performing my biggest shows ever. We made it to arenas!!! I am playing iconic venues around the world, and I couldn’t be happier.
“The ‘Superbloom’ Tour will be filled with celebration, dancing, theatre, cowboys and goddesses, and of course a LOT of singing. Can’t wait to step into my garden where we all shall bloom!”
Born in London, she may not be a Northerner, but we’ve always had a lot of love for her music.
The 41-year-old has also found a whole new audience over the decade or so, thanks to the smash-hit podcast she records with her mum, Lennie, called Table Manners.
With her following stronger and more varied than ever, it’s no surprise she’s playing a space as big and industry-leading as the Co-op.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Jessie Ware 🪩 Saturday 5 Decemberhttps://t.co/r240zY16az@coopuk members get first in line for tickets. Co-op Member Presale: 09:00 Tuesday 21 April General Sale: 09:00 Thursday 23 April pic.twitter.com/yctYxk4W8Z
Confirming just four shows here in the UK and Ireland, us being the only other one in England bar The O2 in London, local fans can count themselves lucky she’s coming to our city.
Booking her return to 0161 for this winter, Jessie Ware comes to the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on 5 December, 2026.
Part and parcel of this venue, official Co-op members get early access, but you can also secure pre-sale by ordering her new album.
She’s also playing a more intimate in-store show here in town at the Arndale HMV if you miss out; see her socials for more info on that one.
As for general admission standing and seated tickets, you can get ready to grab yours from 9am on Thursday, 23 April, right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
8th September 2022 
