Jaws dropped when four familar faces took to the stage on Britain's Got Talent. In the final audition show of the series the colourful children's TV characters the Teletubbies performed for judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, who shot to fame on the BBC in the late nineties and became a global success, joined the hopefuls vying to win the £250,00 cash prize and the chance to perfrom at the Royal Variety Performance. Presenters Ant and Dec expressed their amazement to see them taking part in the long-running ITV talent show and judge Amanda asked: "We don't need to ask who you are. But who are you?"
And then came a surprise as show boss Simon revealed that he was instrumental in their success. Laughter rang out as it was explained that the record executive, who signed the likes of Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, James Arthur and Olly Murs, was behind the release of their massive first single.
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Teletubbies say Eh-oh! was a remix of the theme song from Teletubbies. The single reached number one on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks in December 1997. It remained in the top 100 for 41 weeks and was certified double platinum.
The Teletubbies surprised viewers as they broke into a performance of Beyonce's iconic Single Ladies routine. And afterwards they invited Simon to join them on stage for a hug.
"I felt emotional because we had a lot of success together," said Simon. "I've missed you so much. I'm quite emotional now." And they got 'four yeses' from the judges. David said: "The Teletubbies doing anything is entertaining."
Recognised in popular culture for their antenna protruding from their heads, the Teletubbies won multiple BAFTA awards and were nominated for Daytime Emmys.
The original run ended in 2001 with a rebooted series in 2014 in the UK and on the Nick Jr. Channel in the United States. Re-runs of the original 1997 to 2001 series continue to be shown on television channels worldwide.
Fans loved having them back on their screens. @BubeerDaniel tweeted: "This show just keeps getting weirder and weirder... and that is why I love this country." And @jenny1969 declared: "Teletubbies to win."
@NiamhLy49650062 tweeted: "So funny and so cute memories." And @mrsjbutler said: "Audition of the series hilarious and brilliant. Great to have them back inner child unleashed."
@CONN70D wrote with mind-blown emojis: "So the teletubbies did business with Simon." And @musicloverrach tweeted: "The teletubbies on #bgt has made my night. I didn't know Simon was their record label in the year I was born?!"
