Is Bob the Builder Gay?

Recently I was stuck in a slow-moving checkout line in Lowe’s. To pass the time I began reading–and finished–five different Bob the Builder books, which were in the rack next to the register. I had never really paid much attention to the phenomenon, but I knew my toddler nephews were huge Bob fans.

After reading all the books, I realized that, without a doubt, Bob the Builder is gay. Sure, he has that sexy business partner, Wendy, but I think it’s safe to say that their relationship is strictly platonic. There’s not even a hint of electricity between the two of them. And how many big strong construction workers have a pet cat–one that’s named Pilchard? One of the books shows Bob relaxing at home after a hard day on the job, in a neat little bungalow, sipping tea. Very butch, indeed. Actually, with that flannel shirt and all those tools, very Village People.

After poking around online I discovered that I’m not the only one who’s made this connection. Ananova reports that in Britain (Bob’s home country) Bob has become a gay icon.

No news reports of that happening in the U.S. yet…