Wombles’ names on Pointless
The Wombles have often appeared in questions on the long-running BBC One quiz show Pointless.
In series 32 episode 43, first broadcast on 27 January 2025, there was a whole round about children’s TV characters, in which the contestants had to name either Muppets or Wombles.
The aim is to score as few points as possible by giving correct but obscure answers that were listed by the fewest members of the public.
Guest host Ellie Taylor explained: “We are looking for any of the regular Wombles whose names appear on the inside cover of The Wombles Official Annual 1999. This is the most recent Womble annual and features the main Womble characters from both the 1970s and the 1990s TV series.”
Contestant Dheeraj said, “I know that a lot of the Wombles were named after places, and I think there was one called Tomsk,” and scored 4 points out of 100.
Ellie Taylor responded: “Fantastic answer there. Yes, Tomsk is the most athletic and sporty Womble, often serving as security for the burrow. He’s like the bouncer. Well done.”
Contestant Bill said, “I think there was a Womble called Uncle Bulgaria,” scoring 43 points.
Ellie Taylor explained: “Yes, Uncle Bulgaria, or Great Uncle Bulgaria, as he’s known. He’s the oldest of the Wombles. And in the original Wombles book, he says that he has a family of around 230. That’s an expensive Christmas, isn’t it? Crikey!”
Presenter Alexander Armstrong joked, “There we are. That’s why they make stuff out of rubbish.”
Contestant Jo said, “I’m gonna go for a Womble and I’m gonna say Madame Cholet,” which went down to 7 points.
Ellie Taylor said: “Yes, Madame Cholet is the resident chef. And on the official Wombles website, it’s revealed that she isn’t actually French but still enjoys talking in the accent.”
Contestant Ruo picked up on Wombles being named after places, saying: “Unfortunately I’ve never seen the Muppets or the Wombles, but I am quite creative, so going by the country theme, I’m thinking Hungary.” When a big X indicated a wrong answer, Alexander Armstrong said, “I’m so sorry. That scores you 100 points.”
The other four contestants all tried to name Muppets.
The “pointless answers you could have had” included Alderney, Shansi and Stepney - all “newer Wombles” from the less familiar late 1990s TV series.
Today's Pointless was I'm pretty sure the first quiz in television history to cite the 1999 Wombles Annual as a source
— Steve Williams (@skillagesteve.bsky.social) 27 January 2025 at 19:10