George (Rainbow)

George is an anthropomorphic pink hippo and a character of the children's television programme Rainbow, voiced by Roy Skelton[1] and operated by Valerie Heberden, Malcolm Lord, Tony Holtham, Rolf Harris and later Craig Crane.

George
Rainbow character
George (first from left) appearing on TV show Rainbow.
Portrayed by	Ian Allen (puppeteer, 1973) Valerie Heberden (puppeteer, 1973–80) Malcolm Lord (puppeteer, 1980–89) Tony Holtham (puppeteer, 1989–92) Craig Crane (puppeteer, 1994–2005) Mark Mander (puppeteer, 2006–present)
Voiced by	Roy Skelton (1973–92, 2005–09) Craig Crane (1994–97) Mark Mander (2009–present)
In-universe information
Species	Hippopotamus Puppet
Gender	Male

Sporting long eyelashes, George often appeared to be initially outwitted by the more extrovert and egotistical Zippy. However in the manner of The Tortoise and the Hare, George normally won through in the end.

George was fond of stories from the Rainbow book.

George (on the right) at the National Media Museum

George's "catchphrase" was his own delayed and elongated goodbye at the end of the show, i.e. Geoffrey, Zippy, Bungle, Rod, Jane, Freddy would say "goodbye" normally, followed by a one-second pause and then George's own "good by-eye". This was because Roy Skelton would voice both George and Zippy, meaning that they could not speak at the same time.