Dora the Explorer gets feminine makeover to appeal to older girls

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Amid competition from older and racier rivals such as the Disney phenomenon Hannah Montana, Dora's TV bosses are reportedly in talks about re-designing some themed toys and merchandise to make the character more feminine.

Sources close to the discussions at Nickelodeon, the children's TV network, say the broadcaster is considering a group of "Explorer Girls" who would appeal to older children. Dora may even get her big-screen debut as early as 2010 - although it would be an older Dora that cinemagoers would see. No decision has been made on either project, the Financial Times reported today.

Nickelodeon declined to comment on specific changes but acknowledged that it was keen to hold on to Dora's preschool fans as they matured.

"Dora is as popular as she's ever been, and now has a second generation of viewers that we would love to serve," the company said.

Dora the Explorer, which made its debut eight years ago, is the top-rated TV programme for pre-school children in the US. The adventures of the wide-eyed, backpack-wearing girl have been translated into 24 languages and syndicated to 125 markets around the world.

However there may be some opposition to the makeover. Parents have complained that products such as Bratz dolls have encouraged the sexualisation of children.