Chocky/Chocky’s Children/Chocky’s Challenge

1 9 8 4 (UK)
6 x 25 minute episodes
1 9 8 5 (UK)
6 x 25 minute episodes
1 9 8 6 (UK)
6 x 25 minute episodes

Based on the engrossing 1968 novel by John Wyndham, this kids’ sci-fi series told the tale of 11-year-old Matthew Gore (Andrew Ellams) and his mystery friend, Chocky – a friendly, highly intelligent female alien presence from another planet.

Chucky was invisible to everyone but Matthew – and then only when ‘she’ decided to make herself visible to him, at which time she appeared as a swirling vortex of mist. Chucky’s presence in the boy’s mind caused much consternation to his parents, who believed the boy was “talking to himself” – until they, too, became enmeshed in their son’s strange adventures.

The serial struck a chord with audiences who had fallen for ET – The Extra-Terrestrial back in Christmas 1982. Both tales concerned the innocence of childhood corrupted by adult greed for money and power – with Matthew being abducted by a cabal desiring Chocky’s theories of advanced energy supplies.

The fusty action of Wyndham’s novel is updated to the digital 1980s, with an Atari games console and a Rubik’s Cube both attracting Chocky’s attention.

The John Wyndham Estate felt it was the best screen adaptation they’d seen and approved two original sequels. In Chocky’s Children (1985), Matthew meets fellow prodigy Albertine Meyer (Anabel Worrell), who has just won a science scholarship to Cambridge University, but they are spied on by the sinister Dr Deacon (Ed Bishop), a powerful American businessman awaiting Chocky’s return.

In Chocky’s Challenge (1986), Chocky prodigies from around the world research anti-gravity power, facing military interference.

Matthew Gore 
Andrew Ellams
David Gore 
James Hazeldine
Mary Gore 
Carol Drinkwater
Polly Gore 
Zoe Hart
Albertine Meyer 
Anabel Worrell
Arnold Meyer 
Prentis Hancock
Dr Deacon
Ed Bishop
Chocky’s Voice 
Glynis Brooks