Toy-makers Mattel have given Bob the Builder a new look, and it seems people are not happy.

The cartoon character follows Thomas the Tank Engine and Fireman Sam in receiving a make-over by the firm. But some fans are unhappy with the new look, apparently unconvinced by Mattel’s claim that “retains the emotional warmth that has always given Bob the Builder a firm place in the hearts of young viewers”.

Actor Lee Ingleby, who is starring in BBC1 drama Our Zoo, takes over from Neil Morrissey, who voiced the handyman from his launch a decade and a half ago.

Also joining the series when it airs next year will be Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt - as Bob’s business partner Wendy - and Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison, who voices the digger Scoop.

Even his hard hat has been updated with his initial on the front.

Diehard fans will be stunned to see the once cuddly figure with old fashioned screwdrivers and monkey wrench in his familiar tool belt now carrying a swish new set of gear with a matching drill, hammer and watch.

The Telegraph is running a poll asking readers which Bob they prefer. After 1,600 votes, it appears that 96.64 per cent of voters are backing the older version.

‘Jackie’ used the site to comment: “bob the builder is designed for small children from 18 months up wards there Innocent (sic) minds have no need so early on to know about technology .This new bob the builder is awful and has no resemblance to the old one.they should leave things like this alone.”