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[GreyKnight]

'Allo 'Allo? Mr Rude Is Now A Frenchman

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,, ... 36,00.html

The entente cordiale between Britain and France could become a little frostier with the relaunch of a children's cartoon TV show.

A new series of Mr Men sees Mr Rude speaking with a French accent - the only foreign-sounding character on the show.

Mr Rude appears on the programme's official website telling viewers how rude he can be and blowing raspberries.

The French Embassy in London was very laissez-faire about any perceived slight on the character of Britain's Continental neighbour.

A spokesman told Sky News they would not comment on the change - adding they did not want to interfere with artistic freedom.

Chorion, the makers of the new show, defended the use of a French accent for Mr Rude.

"It is a kids' comedy show, it is not meant to be offensive or anything like that. It is very light-hearted," said a spokeswoman.

Little Miss Daredevil rides in

The show will feature four new characters including Little Miss Daredevil, based on a performance stunt rider, who wears a crash helmet, white heels and a rocket pack.

Other characters will get a makeover, with Mr Strong no longer a square but boasting broader shoulders, a narrower waist and bulging biceps.

Mr Men started as a series of small, square story books for young children by Roger Hargreaves in the early 1970s.

Little Miss was an accompanying series of books by the same author with female characters that started in 1981.