Ananova:

The Wombles have become a firm favourite with a new audience - gay men.

The furry children's television characters have become so popular through their 70s show that they formed a band and had five hit singles in a row.

They even appeared at the Queen Mother's 100th birthday celebration, but they are to put on a concert at London's Astoria - the biggest homosexual venue in Europe.

Wellington, Great Uncle Bulgaria, Madame Cholet and Orinoco are even featuring on the cover of Britain's leading gay magazine Boyz.

Mike Batt, who has played Orinoco for 25 years, tried to explain the characters' current status as gay icons to The Sunday Telegraph.

He said: "It just happens that gay people tend to like divas and when you are dressed up as a womble with a feather boa playing guitar and with hair flying I can tell you you feel like a diva."