The Sun Has A Baby! 5 Major Updates On The Original Teletubbies Sun Baby, Jess Smith

The iconic face that graced the opening of *Teletubbies* for years, the giggling "Sun Baby," has grown up and made a huge life announcement in 2024. For millions of fans who grew up watching Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa, and Po, the sight of the sun rising over Teletubbyland with a cheerful baby's face is a core memory. That baby, Jessica Smith, is now a mother herself, a life milestone that has sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity across the internet as people realize just how much time has passed since the show first aired in 1997. This article dives deep into the life of the original Sun Baby, Jess Smith, providing her complete biography, the story of how she landed the role, and the latest, most current updates on her life, including the arrival of her own child. We also address the common confusion over the replacement Sun Baby in the modern reboot, giving you a complete picture of the *Teletubbies* sun legacy as of December 2025.

Jessica Elizabeth Smith: The Original Teletubbies Sun Baby Biography

The identity of the giggling sun was a closely guarded secret for years, adding to the mystique of the beloved children's show. It wasn't until 2014 that the world finally learned the name of the girl behind the globally recognized smile.

• Full Name: Jessica Elizabeth Smith
• Known As: Jess Smith
• Date of Birth: November 13, 1995
• Place of Birth: Edenbridge, Kent, England, UK
• Role in *Teletubbies*: The Original Sun Baby (1997–2001)
• Original Compensation: £250 and a box of toys
• Education: Studied Dance at Canterbury Christ Church University
• Partner: Ricky Latham
• Children: One daughter, born in early 2024

The Accidental Stardom: How Jess Smith Landed the Role

Jess Smith's journey to becoming a global television icon was completely unplanned. Her mother, Anji Smith, took the nine-month-old baby to a hospital for a routine check-up in 1996. A producer from Ragdoll Productions, the company behind *Teletubbies*, happened to be there and was looking for a baby with a cheerful disposition. Jess was reportedly sitting on the floor, giggling and laughing, when the producer spotted her. They asked Anji if they could audition Jess for a new children's show. The audition itself was simple: Jess was sat in a high chair in front of a mirror, and her father, Bill Smith, was tasked with making her giggle to capture the now-famous shots. To get the baby’s attention and the perfect laugh, Bill reportedly dangled a teddy bear in front of her. For her work, which would go on to be seen in over 120 countries, Jess Smith received a modest payment of £250 and a box of toys.

The Big Reveal: Why Jess Kept Her Identity a Secret for Years

For almost two decades, Jess Smith's identity remained a mystery to the public. She grew up as a normal child, and her parents chose not to publicize her role, wanting her to have a normal childhood free from the pressures of fame.

The University Confession

The secret was finally revealed in 2014, when Jess was 19 years old and in her first week at Canterbury Christ Church University, studying dance. During a "getting to know you" icebreaker session, where students were asked to share something about themselves that no one else would guess, Jess decided to tell her classmates the truth. She later confirmed the news on social media, writing: "I’ve decided I should tell everyone. I used to hide it but after a lot of encouragement from my friends at university, I’ve gained the confidence to come out with it. I am the sun from *Teletubbies*." The revelation quickly made international headlines, as fans around the globe were stunned to finally put a name to the iconic smiling face.

The Biggest Update: Jess Smith Welcomes Her Own Baby in 2024

The most significant and heartwarming update on Jess Smith's life came in early 2024, when she announced the birth of her first child. This news resonated deeply with the generation who watched her as a baby, creating a full-circle moment that highlighted the passage of time.

A New Sun Rises

Jess Smith and her partner, Ricky Latham, welcomed a baby girl in early March 2024. The announcement was made on social media, where Jess shared a sweet photo of her newborn's hand gripping her finger. The news was met with an outpouring of affection from fans, many of whom expressed feelings of nostalgia and "feeling old" upon realizing the *Teletubbies* Sun Baby was now a mother. This life change is a beautiful echo of her own start in life, and it’s a major part of her story today.

A Sweet Nod to Teletubbies

While Jess has kept her daughter’s name private, some sources have noted that it is a sweet nod to the show, though the specifics are not widely confirmed. Regardless of the name, the imagery of the original Sun Baby holding her own child has become an iconic, generational moment.

The Modern Sun: Who is the New Sun Baby in the *Teletubbies* Reboot?

A common point of confusion for fans stems from the 2015 *Teletubbies* reboot, which introduced a new generation of viewers to Teletubbyland. With the new series came a new Sun Baby.

Meet Berry

The role of the Sun Baby in the 2015 reboot series is played by a girl named Berry. Berry was born in 2014 and took over the iconic role, bringing her own unique, cheerful face and giggles to the show. This distinction is important for topical authority:

Original Sun Baby (1997–2001): Jess Smith (Born 1995)

New Sun Baby (2015 Reboot): Berry (Born 2014)

Jess Smith has actually met her successor, Berry, in the past, a moment captured in a heartwarming photo that was widely shared online, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation of *Teletubbies* stars to the next.

Life Beyond Teletubbyland: Jess Smith's Career and Public Appearances

While Jess Smith has largely pursued a private life since her university studies, she has occasionally stepped back into the public eye, embracing her unique claim to fame.

Recent TV Appearances

In recent years, Jess has made a few notable television appearances. For example, she appeared as the Sun Baby once more on Channel 4's *Big Breakfast*, much to the delight of nostalgic fans. These appearances show that she has a good-natured attitude toward her childhood role and is happy to share the joy it brought to millions.

A Lasting Legacy

Jess Smith's story is a fascinating piece of television history. She is an example of a performer who achieved global recognition from a very young age, yet managed to maintain a relatively normal life. Her decision to reveal her identity and, more recently, to share her journey into motherhood, has solidified her place not just in *Teletubbies* lore, but as a cultural touchstone for the millennial and Gen Z generations. Her life today, as a mother in her late twenties, is a testament to the fact that even the most famous baby faces eventually grow up.