But the new look has angered some fans who have taken to social media in droves to voice their displeasure.

Mattell said Bob is  now “stronger, funnier, more dynamic, more agile and way more inspirational.”

But devotees of his original incarnation have launched a series of stinging attacks on Twitter.

Comments included: “They’ve broken Bob the builder! The new one is rubbish. Can they fix it?

“I refuse to believe the new Bob the Builder is old enough to hold any kind of qualification.

“That new Bob the Builder is just creepy, cartoons shouldn’t look like actual human people.”

Mattell countered: “Bob is a modern builder using the most up to date equipment, including a tablet that can store his designs.

“No job is too big or too small for this builder. Can he fix it? Yes he can!”

A lot of fans prefer the old look