Colonel Mustard killed off by a Wag in the gym: Board game Cluedo gets a modern makeover

American toy firm Hasbro has updated the hugely popular board game, replacing the traditional characters with colour-coded 'guests'.

It has decided the game, launched in Britain in 1949, is too old-fashioned.

The board itself has also been updated.

The study, library, ballroom and conservatory where the characters committed their crimes have been replaced by a patio, guest house and spa, making it more a Premiership footballer's home than an English country residence.

What's old is new again: The updated and original versions of Cluedo

Hasbro plans to release the new version of the game, known as Clue in the US, in time for Christmas.

A spokesman said: 'It's bang up to date. The new characters are more in tune with modern society, and with the added touch of a first name, more human.

'The new rooms and weapons have helped to give the game a much needed face-lift, and with the added risk of players being killed off mid play we have definitely increased its tempo.'

But lovers of the traditional version of the game need not worry as it will remain on sale.

The new suspects:

Kasandra Scarlet

She is at the centre of every social event and is the hottest star on the movie scene. She has the attention of all of the celebrity magazines, but her biggest fear is that the press will uncover the shady things she did to claw her way to the top.

Jacob Green
Need help with connections, getting noticed, getting ahead … Green is the man on the scene with all the ins, although nobody is really sure how he gets it all done. Keep in mind that nothing comes for free and you can be sure that someday you’ll get a call from him cashing in on all those favours.

Jack Mustard
Once the most sought after celebrity football player, age has finally caught up with him. Now a sports pundit relying on his failing good looks and popularity, his stories are larger than life, but how much longer will his fame last? He will not resign himself to becoming an unknown.

Diane White
Living in the shadow of her childhood acting fame, she is constantly reminding others of her past success. White has found it hard to move on. She tries hard not to take others’ lack of appreciation personally and she’ll be the first to tell you “My day will come, one way or the other.”

Victor Plum
A self-made video-game design billionaire that moved out of the dingy basement and into the “In Crowd.” He questions his friends’ intentions, but let’s face it, attention is good no matter where it’s coming from. And he’s going to make the most of it while it lasts.

Coming from a wealthy family of politicians, she’s known to raise money for any cause as long as she is in the spotlight. She appears calm, cool and collected at all times – ordering her assistants to do her dirty work.