From catchy jingles and animated adventures to a whole new generation, we're taking a trip down memory lane to celebrate one of Typhoo's most memorable characters.
Over more than 120 years, Typhoo has become a familiar name in British households. Since our beginnings in Birmingham in 1903, we've been part of countless tea breaks, kitchen conversations and everyday moments.
And while our tea has always been at the heart of what we do, we've also had our fair share of memorable advertising along the way.
One of our most unusual stars? A singing, piano-playing Gnu. Yes, really.
It All Began in the 1970s
The year was 1976. Television advertising was full of colourful characters, memorable jingles and catchy slogans, and Typhoo was about to introduce a rather unexpected new face. Enter the Typhoo Gnu.
For anyone wondering, a Gnu is another name for a wildebeest. Not the most obvious choice for a tea advert, perhaps, but with a name that rhymed rather nicely with Typhoo, it was a match made in advertising heaven.
Created by animators Tony Cattaneo and Ron Wyatt of Wyatt Cattaneo, the character made his television debut in 1976.
With his distinctive appearance, musical talents and unmistakable enthusiasm for Typhoo tea, the Gnu became a memorable part of the brand's advertising history.
A Gnu With a Tune
What made the Gnu so memorable wasn't just his appearance. It was his singing.
Drawing inspiration from the famous "Gnu Song" by comedy duo Flanders and Swann, the advertisements featured playful musical performances celebrating the refreshing taste of Typhoo.
In one of his earliest appearances, the Gnu could be found sitting at a piano, singing about his favourite brew.
The adverts combined animation, humour and music, giving the character a personality that helped him stand out from the crowd.
And, of course, they made sure viewers knew exactly which tea he preferred.
The campaign also featured the memorable line: "For the tea that picks you up, pick up Ty-Phoo!"
The Adventures of the Gnu
Our musical friend didn't stay behind his piano forever. Throughout the late 1970s, the Gnu appeared in a series of animated adventures, finding himself in all sorts of everyday situations.
One particularly memorable advert saw him travelling by train, enjoying a cup of Typhoo before discovering that his ticket was out of date.
Other appearances took him to markets and tea gardens, with each adventure offering another opportunity for a song, a joke and a good cuppa.
The character even made an appearance in a 1979 promotion involving Texaco petrol stations.
And here's a little piece of Typhoo trivia: the original Gnu was also known as Norman, a name featured in historical promotional material.
Who knew?
Part of Typhoo's Advertising Heritage
The Gnu wasn't the only memorable part of Typhoo's advertising history.
Over the decades, we've entertained the nation with plenty of familiar slogans and campaigns, including the unforgettable "You Only Get an OO with Typhoo."
From musical animals to famous faces, humour and personality have long played a part in the Typhoo story.
But there's something particularly special about the Gnu.
Perhaps it's the nostalgia of those early television adverts, the catchy music or simply the wonderfully unexpected sight of a wildebeest enjoying a cup of tea.
Whatever the reason, he's a character that deserves another moment in the spotlight.
From Norman to Drew: A Gnu Generation
Fast-forward 50 years and Typhoo is entering another exciting chapter.
With a refreshed brand, a renewed focus on quality and tea now being made at our UK manufacturing facility in Gloucester, we're looking to the future while celebrating the heritage that makes Typhoo special.
And what better way to do that than to bring back an old friend?
Meet Drew, the new face of our much-loved Gnu.
Inspired by the original character, Drew has made his television debut in our brand-new advertising campaign, bringing a fresh personality, a sense of humour and a little nostalgia to screens across the country.
Our new campaign, "Typhoo Tea Fixes Everything... Sort Of.", celebrates those familiar everyday moments when things don't quite go according to plan.
Because while tea can't fix everything, a good cuppa can sometimes make the day feel a little better.
It's a fresh take on a familiar Typhoo tradition: bringing a smile to people's faces, one brew at a time.
Here's to the Next Chapter
From a singing Gnu in the 1970s to Drew's adventures today, a lot has changed over the years. But some things never go out of style. A little humour. A familiar face. And a proper cup of Typhoo tea.
Welcome back, Gnu. It's been a while.
From Norman to Drew, the Gnu has come a long way. Take a look at our latest advert and meet the newest member of the Typhoo family. Read More: There's a Gnu Face at Typhoo. Meet Drew! >
