Cluedo introduce first new character since 1949 (and kill off a classic)

Say goodbye to Mrs. White and hello to Dr. Orchid

For the first time since 1949, Hasbro is changing the core Cluedo game, knocking off one beloved character and replacing her with another.

Long-time housekeeper Mrs. White will no longer be part of the main game; instead, Dr. Orchid will be joining the ranks of Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, and Mrs. Peacock.

Dr. Orchid marks the first major change to the Cluedo series since it launched, and with her introduction, the other five suspects have been given youthful revamps for the new set (minus Mustard, who remains significantly older).

According to the press release, Dr. Ochid was “privately schooled in Switzerland until her expulsion following a near-fatal daffodil poisoning incident.

“She was then home-schooled by the very woman she would go on to replace, the late housekeeper, Mrs. White. Orchid decided biology was her future and, while researching for a PhD in plant toxicology, unearthed a plant of incredible medicinal properties; a discovery she wanted to share with no one – especially her adoptive father Dr. Black.”

Craig Wilkins, Marketing Director for Hasbro in the UK & Ireland, said of the new character: “It was a difficult decision to say goodbye to Mrs. White – but after 70 years of suspicious activity, we decided that one of the characters had to go

“Dr. Orchid is a brilliant new character with a rich backstory and links to the Black fortune. We’re sure families across the UK, Ireland, and the world will continue to create thrilling murder mysteries with all six suspects inside of the iconic Tudor Mansion.”

Cluedo isn't the first toy series to get a major revamps in the last year; recently, Thomas the Tank Engine introduced numerous new friends from around the world in an attempt to appeal to foreign toy markets.

The new Cluedo set - or Clue as it is known is most countries - will be available this July.