EIGHT years since singing his way to a surprise Christmas number 1, Bob The Builder is ho-ho-hoping to fix it again this year - as a festive fashion favourite. The cartoon favourite is just one of a host of children's characters from the world of stage, screen and TV who are expected to play a starring role on Santa's shopping lists this Christmas like never before.
Demand for licensed products featuring well-known TV and film characters is at an all-time, as boys and girls of all ages scour for the latest 'must-have' merchandise from their favourite characters. Take children's footwear for example - walk into any High Street store or visit the growing number of online kids' shoe websites and you could be forgiven for thinking you were on the set of Disneyworld studio.
Shoes, trainers and slippers - especially at this time of year - resemble a 'Who's Who' of TV and cinema stars, with many ranges featuring lights and sounds to complement the eye-catching designs. The characters breathe new life into traditional Christmas favourites like slippers. What could be better than being awoken by your child or grandchild on Christmas morn that to the reveille of 'Scooby-Doo - Where are You?' as he steps into your room.
Competition to be the Christmas best-seller is always strong - but indications are that this year's selection is the biggest and best yet. Can Bob The Builder cement his position as the nation's favourite? Or is there a new favourite waiting in the wings poised to steal his crown? As the big day approaches, we look at which character is likely to be a Christmas cracker this year:
Bob The Builder - The doyen of character merchandise. His worldwide appeal - he is known as Bob Le Bricoleur in France and Mojster Miha in Slovenia - shows no sign of abating. Likely to be at the top of many children's wish lists this Christmas.
High School Musical - The young pretender to Bob's crown. It's the most successful movie that the Disney Channel has ever produced and there's every change it will take centre stage this year.
Roary The Racing Car - From the same successful stable as Bob The Builder. When it comes to Christmas sales, he may well do exactly what his catchphrase says - and 'Light ' em up'!
Peppa Pig - With appeal for both boys and girls, expect snorting sales this Christmas.
Spider Man - Thirty-six years since he made is comic debit, the perennial children's favourite is likely to be weaving his magic for many years to come. Likely to be very successful on the web!
Thomas The Tank Engine - children have gone loco for Thomas and Friends' merchandise since the book was turned into a cult children's TV series. Sales will continue to go full steam ahead.
Winnie The Pooh - The veteran among the line-up of likely Christmas favourites, having debuted more than 80 years ago. With his erstwhile partner Tigger, he is sure to push younger rivals close.
Barbie - For someone who is 50 years old, this best-selling doll doesn't look her age! Girl power is likely to ensure that she remains in high demand this Christmas.
Star Wars - Among the most successful three films ever produced, this movie phenomenon has for many years topped the bill when it comes to kids' shoes and fashion. Expect another starring role.
Scooby-Doo - With his name on everything from breakfast cereal to his own Scooby Snacks dog food, there are fewer characters with such widespread appeal. There's plenty of life in the old dog yet!
Dora The Explorer - With her sidekick Boots, there would no more appropriate winner of this year's kids' footwear crown.
Disney Princess - Disney Princess is a Walt Disney Company franchise, based on fictional characters who have been featured as part of the Disney character line-up. The main six are: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine, all of whom have royal title by marriage or birth. Another leading contender for the Christmas 'crown'.
Fifi & The Flowertots - Another forget-me-not product, especially popular in its range of kids' shoes and slippers. With her best friend Bumble the bee, popularity among young girls in particular has blossomed to new levels recently.
When it comes to Christmas shoes and slippers this year, expect any one of these characters to sock it to one another - as the battle to be the 2008 online and High Street best-seller reaches its climax.
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