Andy Pandy was given a modern make-over in 2002

The character will go on a UK tour with Bill and Ben, where he will be played by an actress - after maintaining his silence as a puppet on TV.

He was a regular on TV from 1950 to 1970, and was revived for children's channel CBeebies in 2002.

But the shows have always had voice-overs to tell the stories, rather than speaking characters.

His first words on stage will be: "Hello, my name is Andy Pandy, have you come to play?"

The characters first appeared in the Watch With Mother slot

A BBC spokeswoman said the show's producers thought a talking character was "a natural extension of the television series".

"On stage, a lot of children would relate more to a voice from an actor, rather than a voice that came out from a narrator," she said.

"To have one of their favourite characters talking directly to them would be a more natural experience."

The show, which begins at London's Peacock Theatre on 21 February, will feature Bill and Ben's treasure hunt in the first half, followed by Andy Pandy's birthday party in the second.

'Rude jokes'

Andy Pandy become a favourite for generations of children after appearing in the Tuesday afternoon Watch with Mother slot.

He was created by Freda Lingstrom, who was head of the children's television department of the BBC between 1951 and 1956.

When he was revived two years ago, he was given a modern make-over and the puppet strings disappeared - although he kept his trademark striped pyjamas.