PG Tips’ iconic Monkey mascot is officially making a much-anticipated comeback, with the launch of the new reality TV-inspired ad, At Home with Monkey. Premiering on Friday, 9 May, At Home with Monkey follows Monkey’s new life with his wife, Mrs. M, played by comedian and actor, Emily Atack.
Speculation has been brewing, but now Brits will finally get the hot tea on Monkey’s married life alongside Mrs M and their two children, Earl and Chai. In a continuation of his successful media career, Monkey now has a reality show documenting the ups and downs of his daily life (sponsored, of course, by PG Tips). The ad sees the pair navigating the relatable highs and humorous lows of married life – the banter, the bickering and most importantly, the brews.
In true-to-form reality TV style, the campaign includes behind-the-scenes, photoshoots and even nods to memorable moments of pop culture, notably the iconic ‘be honest‘ scene from another high profile husband and wife.
A distinctive face of the PG Tips brand for more than 20 years, from proudly displaying extensive Monkey mascot collections, to setting up active Monkey Appreciation Facebook groups, fans have missed Monkey. Comedian Ivo Graham now lends his distinctive voice and playful charm to Monkey, as the beloved character ushers in a new chapter with a new ‘Al’.
“That’s right, I’m back! Spilling the tea on life with Alice… Mrs M, if we’re being fancy. That’s right, I’ve tied the knot! And we’ve flung open the doors (and the biscuit tin) to let you all in. Like all good reality shows, there are highs, lows, laughs, tears … and enough tea to rehydrate a small nation. You’ll see us muddling through it all. Marriage, mayhem, and meltdowns (did I mention the kids?). Because married life’s a bit like a teabag, you don’t know how strong it is until it’s in hot water. But no matter what’s brewing, there’s always a cup of PG to help us pause, reset, and crack on with whatever’s next.”
Monkey
Emily Atack, the voice of Mrs. M, says: “It’s not often you get the opportunity to work with a national treasure. Filming alongside the knitted and quick-witted Monkey has been such a joy – I absolutely loved stepping into the role of Mrs. M, and living life one tea at a time as Monkey’s other half. It is both hilarious and heartwarming in equal measure!
“Alice definitely keeps Monkey on his toes, and I think many couples will relate to their dynamic. I can’t wait to spill the tea on what this duo have been up to!”
Elle Barker, UK and Ireland chief marketing officer at Lipton Teas and Infusions, said, “Monkey is a legendary mascot beloved by the British public – people have missed him, so have we! His comeback is long overdue and this new campaign captures the chaos of family life and the role that tea plays in fuelling the day for British families. Our ‘Live life one tea at a time’ campaign puts the iconic PG Tips brand and infamous Monkey back in the spotlight where they deserve to be”.
Viewers are invited into Monkey and Mrs M’s family home where they live with their two children, Earl and Chai, navigating the trials and tribulations of family life one cup of PG at a time. Catch the PG Tips’ new ad on TV and VOD from May 9th or enjoy an exclusive sneak peek behind the scenes on the PG Tips social channels @pgtips.