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Gromit was almost a cat, reveals Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park – Daily TV round-up

Gromit, of Wallace and Gromit fame, was originally a cat, their creator Nick Park has revealed.

But he changed the species from feline to canine after realising that a dog sidekick would be easier to make.


“I had this idea about a guy who builds a rocket in the basement of his house. I thought he had to have an assistant,” he said.

“So I drew a cat called Gromit. But when I came to model the cat out of clay, I found a dog easier to make. Plus I had a packet of dog's noses from a craft shop on me. So Gromit became a dog.”

He also says that the character was supposed to be far more expressive and extrovert than the reserved dog he has turned out to be.

“I found it much easier just moving his brow. It gave him a personality, an inner, discerning mind. Suddenly he became a contrast; a child more intelligent than his father.” [Radio Times]

Also in today's press

Eamonn Holmes has revealed that he is living in 'constant pain' because of a genetic defect which has resulted in the bones of his hips rubbing together. He is set to have double hip replacement surgery, but says he has been 'too chicken' to have it done and has been putting it off for 10 years. [The Sun]

UKTV Gold has been rapped by Ofcom after it broadcast 'Gavin & Stacey' at 10am. The episode was edited to remove strong language and 'sex noises', but viewers still complained over the remaining 'sexually suggestive' content. [Digital Spy]

Meanwhile, 'Big Brother' is to be investigated by Ofcom after they received more than 1,000 complaints about three different incidents on the show. The reported bullying of housemate Deana Uppal, an alleged racist slur and the use of the word 'retard' on spin-off show 'Big Brother's Bit On The Side' are among the issues which have upset viewers. [Daily Mail]