How children's character struck gold for Keith

Keith Chapman is the man behind both colourful creations and he can certainly sense the potential in a good idea.

Bob and his chums have generated about 1billion in revenue since Keith thought up the idea while freelancing as an agency art director in the early 1990s.

Since then he’s struck gold with a number of characters and certainly knows the winning formula - just ask any pre-schooler who is bound to have at least one spin-off toy in their toybox.

He was delighted to back his pal’s project and says it’s got great potential both in terms of sales and spin offs.

“It’s a good marketable idea and they makes a lovely individual gift,” said Keith, who lives in London with wife Kirsty and sons aged 19, 17 and 13.

“It’s individual in that it can be personalised but the characters are really strong.

“The website is clear and straightforward and it’s all been Wendy’s own work.”

Keith recently pointed out ways to take the project further and has offered to help in any way he can.

“The images are really adaptable and I would work on a number of products including plush soft toys. Her creatures have a distinctive look to them.

“I’ve offered to help her along with people she needs to know. Fifi started life as a television show but that’s an expensive route and it doesn’t have to be that way. Some people come at it just from the image licensing. Companies like Bang on the Door are doing well and that’s without a television show.”

Keith is preparing to add a new character to Fifi - by coincidence called Daisy.

He is also working on a groundbreaking new kids’ show and an action movie with Peter Jackson, director of Lord of the Rings.

“The industry is open to exciting new ideas and I wish Wendy well.”