‘That’s not the way to do it’ says Ken Dodd of Punch and Judy makeover

PUNCH and Judy is making a comeback – but without the dysfunctional behaviour.

To mark the 350th anniversary of the traditional seaside attraction the character will return as a television show in a contemporary setting without the domestic violence.

However comedian Ken Dodd, who is patron of the Punch and Judy Fellowship, has criticised the radically-altered show.

“Children of all ages know what’s fiction and what’s real life. They should keep it traditional,” he said.

“Children know they are puppets. Humour is a wonderful thing. It shouldn’t be hijacked.”

The first record of Punch performing in public in England is contained in Samuel Pepys’s diary in 1662, in which he wrote about a show he saw in Covent Garden

Punch And Judy Rebooted will premier later this month in Covent Garden and will also be broadcast on Gold TV’s website