“What kind of person can take the obvious innocence and turn it into something else? We were hardly sexual beings.” Nikky, now working as a professional storyteller, last donned the famous furry outfit in 2007. During her ten years as Laa-Laa, the BBC show battled rumours of gay undertones.
In 1999, American cleric Jerry Falwell claimed Tinky Winky was a homosexual role model for children, based on the fact he wore purple and had a triangular antenna. Both are symbols in the gay pride movement. Nikky, from Solihull but now living in Shipston on Stour, has rubbished the rumour-mill.
She’s proud of her part in the BBC blockbuster, but doesn’t miss it. “I don’t pine for pink custard, if that’s what you mean,” said the 49-year-old. When the show was explained to me, I thought it was a work of genius. I thought it will be massive. It came from a place of love and engagement for young children. It is fantastic that somewhere in the world a child will be looking at Laa-Laa and laughing.”
