Designers have been asked to make Wenlock and Mandeville more flexible so that the actors can move more easily and interact with the public better.

It is hoped that the new designs will allow the mascots to hold things like football and shake hands.

"The designers have been briefed to make the new batch of mascots as flexible as possible, although the mascots were never intended to be able to ride a bike or do a handstand," a spokesman for London 2012 told the Daily Telegraph.

The one-eyed mascots were launched in May and have been touring the country appearing at events and schools. 

Last month they were caught up in controversy when insidethegames revealed that London 2012 organisers were charging some events up to £850 ($1,258) for them to appear.

London 2012 claimed that they did not profit from the fee and that it covers actors, a chaperone for each mascot, travel and accommodation.


Related stories
June 2010: Anger at plans by London 2012 to charge for mascot appearances
May 2010: Izzy creator likes Wenlock and Mandeville
May 2010: Exclusive - Much Wenlock celebrates having London 2012 mascot named after it
May 2010: Mascots set to make £14 million for London 2012
May 2010: London 2012 launch mascots