BLUEY fans have been dealt a huge blow as a star on the world’s most popular kids show has quit.
The Australian animated series, which first launched in 2018, follows the titular character, a Blue Heeler puppy, and her family – Dad Bandit, Mum Chilli and younger sister Bingo.
Bluey has gained worldwide attention and praise from critics for its depiction of a modern family and its constructive parenting messages.
It officially landed in the UK on CBeebies in 2021 and has been a household favourite ever since.
However, after Disney confirmed a feature movie is officially in the works, Bluey’s creator Joe Blumm has quit.
Addressing fans, he said: “I’m writing this to share some Bluey news – some good, some trifficult.
“Let’s start with the good – after some time spent away from the series, working on another project, an old idea resurfaced and before I knew it, I’d written a Bluey feature script that I really love. Fast forward through a tonne of contracting and we’re about to embark on making an animated Bluey movie!
“Now, for the trifficult. I always said I wouldn’t keep making the show if I thought I couldn’t make any new season as good as the last. This would have been the case for me with a potential season four, so I’ve decided to take a break from my involvement in the TV series.
“In the event I can’t wrap my head around doing more seasons myself, The Sign will mark my TV finale for Bluey and I wrote it as such.”
Joe reassured fans his departure from the television series to focus on the movie does not mean the end of the show.
Bluey’s feature film is currently in development, with Disney set to release the movie worldwide in 2027.
Since the beloved children’s TV show landed on screens in 2018, various episodes have been changed, censored, or banned for several reasons.
These include episodes showing or depicting farting, vomiting or pooing and discussions about vasectomies being changed for international viewers.
Previously the show’s creators revealed they were asked to change the character’s Australian accents, but they refused.
BLUEY has become a fan-favourite series across the globe. Created and released on ABC in Australia, it also airs internationally on Disney+.
The series follows the Heelers, an adorable dog family living in Australia. Bluey takes the lead alongside her mum Chilli, dad Bandit and sister Bingo.
Bluey has become essential viewing for preschoolers and their parents.
Shown in 60 countries across the world, it was the most-streamed series in January and February and the second most viewed programme in the US in 2023.
It has even attracted a host of famous fans.
Hollywood actresses Natalie Portman and Eva Mendes have made cameos and Aussie stars Kylie and Dannii Minogue have voiced a spin-off audiobook.
On why the family show is so popular, Dannii has said: “There is life before Bluey, and life after. Once you know Bluey . . . you are hooked.
“It is fun for so many ages, as we can all relate to different members of Bluey’s family.”
Its success has also spawned a theme park in Australia, its own land at Alton Towers and stage show spin-offs.
Podcast couple Chris and Rosie Ramsey admitted being in tears at the end of the extra-long one-off episode.
