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Welsh children's TV favourite set to return

S4C has started a search for a new star for Sali Mali

[Sali Mali ]

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Sali Mali is returning to our screens and you could fill her iconic shoes(Image: S4C)

Those of us who grew up watching Welsh language TV will be thrilled to hear that a beloved children's character will be returning to our screens. Sali Mali will make her comeback to S4C in 2027 for her first live action series in more than two decades.

The announcement was made at the National Eisteddfod in Llantood, near Cardigan, on Monday, August 3. Although, the good news doesn't stop there, they are also looking for a new actress to fill the iconic character's shoes and the search has started at the Eisteddfod.

If you think you could be in with a chance of becoming the next Sali Mali, then there will be a casting booth available at the event between 11am and 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm from Tuesday, 4 August, through to Friday, 7 August. For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter here

The character was initially conceived by Mary Vaughan Jones for a collection of children's books which started with 'Sali Mali' in 1969. She later made her S4C debut in the series Caffi Sali Mali in 1994, with Rebecca Harries portraying the character.

Sali Mali's most recent appearance in a live action series was between 2004 and 2007, when she featured in the programme Pentre Bach, alongside her companions including Jac y Jwc and Jini.

Looking back on her time as Sali Mali, Rebecca Harries commented: "I am delighted to hear that Sali Mali is returning to entertain Wales's children and their families and to keep them company once again.

"Being her friend for so long was a privilege and was one of my career's greatest pleasures. I had the opportunity to meet children all over Wales and make best friends at work.

"Good luck to all the new crew, you'll work very hard, but it will be worth it. And to the new Sali Mali...enjoy every second of the orange, embrace everything that comes your way it's an exciting ride."

[Sali Mali and Jac Do from S4C's TV show Pentre Bach]

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Sali Mali and Jac Do from S4C's TV show Pentre Bach(Image: S4C)

An animated version of Sali Mali was first shown on S4C in 2000, featuring Rhys Ifans as narrator and Cerys Matthews performing the theme tune. Unfortunately for fans, the latest animated episodes were broadcast in 2021, that means a five years break without Sali on our screens.

Sioned Geraint, S4C's Commissioner for Children and Welsh Learners, said: "From the original books to the TV series, Sali Mali has played a part in the formative years of generations of Welsh children.

"20 years since Pentre Bach came to an end, many children who grew up watching Sali Mali are now parents themselves, and I'm sure they'll be delighted to see her return to S4C to entertain their children, too."

Llion Iwan, S4C's Chief Content Officer, added: "When it comes to iconic characters on S4C, there's few more iconic than Sali Mali.

"To many of us, Sali Mali's return will be like catching up with an old friend. But for a generation of children, this will be their first encounter with Sali Mali and it's incredibly exciting that someone will have the opportunity to make this role their own.

"I know that Sali Mali will be one of Cyw's most prominent friends in the years to come and I look forward to watching her latest adventures."

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