Iconic British TV mascot makes a comeback - and he’s married with kids
The PG Tips Monkey has made a comeback in a bizarre new TV advert
PG Tips' iconic Monkey mascot is officially making a comeback. The brand confirmed the news with the launch of its new reality TV-inspired ad, At Home with Monkey.
The advert follows Monkey’s new life with his wife, Mrs. M, played by comedian and actor Emily Atack. The return of Monkey comes just over a year after his official “retirement” was announced.
PG Tips said: “Speculation has been brewing, but now Brits will finally get the hot tea on Monkey’s married life alongside Mrs M and their two children, Earl and Chai.
“In a continuation of his successful media career, Monkey now has a reality show documenting the ups and downs of his daily life (sponsored, of course, by PG Tips).
“The ad sees the pair navigating the relatable highs and humorous lows of married life - the banter, the bickering and most importantly, the brews.”
PG Tips’ first chimpanzee advert was launched on British TV in 1956 as part of a series of similar ads.
The now-iconic adverts saw chimps dressed as humans, voiced by celebrities including Peter Sellers, Bob Monkhouse and Cilla Black.
The brand used chimpanzees from Twycross Zoo.
The adverts were hugely popular and within two years, PG Tips had risen from fourth in the market to become Britain's top-selling tea.
The last of the original PG Tips chimpanzees died at Twycross Zoo in 2016.
The first ads featuring Monkey aired in 2001 and subsequent adverts also starred side-kick Al, played by Johnny Vegas.
Statista reported that PG Tips was the most popular brand of tea in the UK in 2023.
In that year it was estimated that more than eight million people enjoyed the brand.
However, the number has fallen since 2013, when it was more than nine million.
PG Tips is currently owned by Lipton Teas & Infusions, a subsidiary of Unilever.
The company's UK registered office is located in Trafford Park, Manchester, UK, M17 1NH, while its global headquarters are in the Netherlands.