By Monde Mwitumwa
Harry Hill has voiced his thoughts on a major shake-up at the BBC , suggesting that moving children’s programming away from the main channel was a misstep. The 60 year old comedian is featuring in CBBC’s new series Go Get Arty as Bristles, a chatty paintbrush. The fresh CBBC programme, sees Harry take up the role of voicing the animated character Bristles. It’s presented by real-life YouTube family, the Kwapongs, who tackle various creative projects alongside their whimsical paintbrush pal, Bristles. During an interview with Radio Times , the comedian discussed his involvement in the programme and expressed his belief that shifting children’s content off the main BBC channels wasn’t the smartest move. He began by reflecting: “My kids watched that, but there’s been a bit of a gap ever since. Go Get Arty is the first “how to” art show for a while. “It does what the BBC is supposed to do, which is educate and entertain, but not in a heavy-handed way. The BBC should never have hived off children’s TV from the main channel.” Hill went on to remark: “They shot themselves in the foot there, because that’s where you build your brand loyalty. When I was a kid, I wasn’t allowed to watch ITV . It was sort of seen as common – full of shouty people doing dangerous stuff that looked absolutely fantastic.” Go Get Arty will feature the Kwapong family engaging in diverse ‘Family Art Challenges’, from piecing together their own table football ‘Kwembly stadium’ to crafting enchanting stained-glass effect wings they can wear, and even assembling fiery dragons, reports the Express . Every challenge on the show begins with one Kwapong taking the judging spot, as the others strive to craft the most creative masterpiece. Harry shared his views with the BBC: “When I was first asked to voice a talking paintbrush, I thought – finally, a role that speaks to me. Bristles is cheeky, colourful, and knows more about art than I ever will. “It’s been a total blast bringing him to life, and I can’t wait for kids and their whole families to get stuck in with the arty fun. Go Get Arty is silly, smart and properly creative – a bit like me on a good day.” Furthermore, Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+ at BBC Children’s and Education, commented: “Making shows that are entertaining and educational is at the heart of everything we do, and Go Get Arty is a brilliant show that encourages children to get creative and learn something along the way. “The show is packed with creative inspiration, playful competition, and tons of laughs. It’s an invitation for all children across the UK to pick up their paintbrushes and express their imagination and creativity.”