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Nikky Smedley: From a Yellow Costume to Iconic Fame - The Uncomfortable Reality of Laa-Laa
Season 3 · Episode 1

Nikky Smedley: From a Yellow Costume to Iconic Fame - The Uncomfortable Reality of Laa-Laa

All My Clothes Need Burning (formerly Television Times) · Steve Otis Gunn

September 18, 202436m 54sExplicit

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Show Notes

Nikky Smedley: From a Yellow Costume to Iconic Fame - The Uncomfortable Reality of Laa-Laa

🎙️Episode Overview

In this episode, Steve Otis Gunn sits down with Nikky Smedley, the beloved performer best known for playing Laa-Laa in Teletubbies, to uncover the fascinating story behind the yellow suit — and so much more. A dancer, writer, director, and education advocate, Nikky shares unforgettable moments from her eclectic career, including:

  • Teletubbies Secrets: What it was really like inside the iconic Laa-Laa costume, and the challenges of wearing it.
  • Children’s TV Legacy: The unexpected global reach and controversy around Teletubbies.
  • The Art of Non-Verbal Performance: How she made Laa-Laa come to life without speaking.
  • Life After Teletubbies: Her transition from performer to educator and creative consultant.
  • Handling Fame with a Hidden Face: What it’s like being world-famous without being recognized.

This episode will appeal to lovers of children's TV nostalgia, creative performers, and anyone curious about the story behind one of pop culture’s most unexpected icons







🩰 About Nikky Smedley

Nikky Smedley is a British performer, creative director, choreographer, and writer who shot to global fame as Laa-Laa in Teletubbies. Beyond her time on children's TV, she has had a rich career in education and storytelling, working with major institutions and artists to bring performance, creativity, and joy to classrooms, theatres, and screens.







🔗 Connect with Nikky Smedley







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This podcast is now called All My Clothes Need Burning. We’ve leaned into the chaos.


Host: Steve Otis Gunn

Guest: Nikky Smedley – Performer & Educator

Duration: 47 minutes

Release Date: Sept 18, 2024

Season: 3, Episode 1

All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis Gunn

Please buy my book 'You Shot My Dog and I Love You', available in all good bookshops and online


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