Bob the Builder returns in Eon ad for net zero training academy
Bob the Builder's first TV appearance in 15 years promotes Eon's net zero training academy, sparking debate about eco messaging.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Bob the Builder, the animated construction worker who last appeared on screen 15 years ago, has made a comeback in a new advertisement for energy company Eon. The advert, which features the character installing solar panels and low carbon heating, encourages viewers to sign up for a net zero training academy. The original stop motion animation, voiced by Neil Morrissey, was shown on GB News, where it drew a mixed reaction from the channel's panel.
The ad shows Bob explaining that he has been learning new green skills with Eon, including fitting solar panels, connecting home batteries, and installing low carbon heating. He then helps with the switch to clean power, saying people can take control of their energy and save money. The character's return was described as an eco-friendly reboot, but not all commentators were impressed.
On GB News, presenter Patrick Christys introduced the story as one about Bob the Builder being accused of spreading net zero propaganda. He noted that Bob had been seen installing solar panels in a "woke tv advert" and had traded his construction yard for low carbon work. The panel offered a range of opinions. One member argued there was nothing wrong with preparing for the future, while another dismissed the idea as "carbon net zero nonsense" and suggested the builder was on the wrong side of history. A more supportive view came from another panellist, who said the ad was a good thing for Eon because Bob had spent 15 years modernising and upskilling himself to become better for the environment.
There was also a technical quibble. One panellist pointed out that in the ad, Bob installs solar panels on a wall, not a roof, which would limit their exposure to sunlight. The light-hearted observation added to the debate about whether the campaign was effective or merely a gimmick.
The advert is part of a wider push by Eon to promote its training academy, which aims to equip people with the skills needed for a net zero economy. Bob's return is notable because he is a well known children's character, and the use of him in an energy efficiency campaign reflects a growing trend of using familiar figures to communicate environmental messages.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | GB News |
|---|---|
| Bob the Builder was accused of promoting net zero propaganda in an Eon advertisement. | |
| The Eon advertisement features Bob the Builder installing solar panels and low carbon heating, marking his first screen appearance in 15 years. | |
| The original Bob the Builder was voiced by Neil Morrissey. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
GB News framed the story as a light-hearted but politically charged topic, focusing on accusations of 'net zero propaganda' and the contrast between traditional construction and green skills. The panel offered a range of views, from outright criticism of net zero policy to defence of the ad's message, and added a technical joke about solar panel placement. The tone was conversational and opinionated, with no attempt at neutral reporting.
- “bob the builder has been accused of spreading net zero propaganda”
- “he's been installing solar panels in a woke tv advert”
- “if you notice that he built the solar panels on a wall right that wall is only going to be getting the sun for part of the day”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.