Kids' TV classic to return after 20 years

Sali Mali is set to return to television screens for the first time in over 20 years as a non-animated series.

The character was created by Mary Vaughan Jones for the children's book series in 1969.

She first appeared in 1994 in the S4C series Caffi Sali Mali, with Rebecca Harries starring in the role.

The last time she featured as a real person was between 2004 and 2007 as part of the series Pentre Bach.

Mojo Productions will produce the new S4C series, with the search for a new actress to step into Sali Mali's shoes underway.

An animated Sali Mali was first broadcast on the channel in 2000, while the latest episodes were shown in 2021.

Following the announcement, made at the National Eisteddfod, Harries said she was "delighted" to hear Sali Mali was returning to "entertain and keep the children of Wales company".

"Being a friend to her for so long was a privilege and one of the great pleasures of my career," she said.

"I had the opportunity to meet children across Wales and make the best friends through the work.

Wishing the new team good luck, she added: "And to the new Sali Mali… enjoy every second of the orange outfit, embrace everything that comes your way – it's really exciting."

Sioned Geraint, S4C's children and learners commissioner, said "generations" of Welsh children had been influenced by Sali Mali.

"Twenty years since Pentre Bach ended, many of the children who grew up with Sali Mali are now parents themselves, and I am sure they will be delighted to see her return to S4C to entertain their children."

Llion Iwan, S4C's chief content officer, said few characters on the channel were more iconic than Sali Mali.

"For many of us, Sali Mali's return will be like catching up with an old friend.

"But for a whole generation of children, this will be the first time they discover Sali Mali, and it is incredibly exciting that someone will have the opportunity to step into this iconic role."