Page 3 Profile: The Tweenies, children's TV stars

Oh, I love the Tweenies. What have they been up to?

Ah, it's not good news I'm afraid. Parents watching CBeebies with their little ones yesterday morning were horrified to see Max (who oversees the "children" in their playschool) performing a skit dressed as Jimmy Savile.

Unbelievable. How did that happen?

The episode, in which Max, complete with blond wig and gold chains, spins some disks and says "now then, now then", was made in 2001 and clearly had not been checked in light of recent events.

Went down well, did it?

Hundreds used social media to complain about the inappropriate impersonation. Rachael Mills, from Bournemouth, tweeted: "Can't believe in tweenies on cbeebies today a character was impersonating saville in parody of totp!!! What is the bbc thinking?" and Kenny Senior wrote: "Are BBC trying to self destruct? Max from Tweenies dressed as Jimmy Savile just now. Nearly choked on my cornflakes."

Paving the way for another heartfelt apology, no doubt

Yes, Auntie is "very sorry". A BBC spokesman noted that the programme dated from 2001 and said: "This programme will not be repeated and we are very sorry for any offence caused."