Ah, yes. While bum jokes have been around forever – I’m looking at you, Chaucer – the poo emoji has a lot to answer for. Winnie the Pooh is a classic children's character who has become a beloved icon worldwide. Created by author A.A. Milne, the character first appeared in the book "Winnie-the-Pooh" in 1926, and has since appeared in numerous stories, films, TV shows, and other media. Pooh is a friendly, lovable bear who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood along with his friends Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo, and Owl. He is known for his love of honey, his simplistic yet wise outlook on life, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends. Winnie the Pooh's stories are timeless classics that have captured the hearts of generations of children and adults alike. The character has become a cultural icon, representing childhood innocence, wonder, and imagination. With his gentle humour and timeless wisdom, Winnie the Pooh continues to inspire and delight people around the world.

David Westman, The Entertainer’s spokesman, tells me that “toilet humour is no flash in the pan and has always been a cornerstone of the toy business, starting with products like fake dog poo. In recent years we’ve seen instant messaging and smartphones fuelling the presence and visibility of the poo emoji which itself generated an upsurge in poo-related products.”According to ERIC, the Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity, scatological chat is to be encouraged. Their spokeswoman Alina Lynden tells me that: “Basically, anything that helps children and their families to have conversations about poo and feel more relaxed around this subject is a good thing.” She recalls giving a talk in a primary school asking children “to imagine their headteacher having to poo in the playground because she didn’t have a toilet at home. There was laughing, screaming, lots of hands over faces – I was breaking all the rules of polite conversation and what they expected from a ‘respectable’ grown-up and they loved it – but also realised just how gross it is.” With more than 900,000 children in the UK affected by continence difficulties, there’s plenty to discuss. “Let them play with toys and games if that helps them to talk about poo and feel more comfortable,” says Lynden. “If that child goes on to develop a poo problem, you will find it easier to talk to them about it.” Humour is an incredibly powerful tool to work through any worries or anxieties. ‘Poo’ is the antidote to ‘taboo,’” he adds.