The first-ever Paddington Bear stuffed toy was created in the early 1970s by Shirley and Eddie Clarkson as a gift for their children, Joanna and Jeremy. Shirley later turned this creation into a successful business, while her son, Jeremy Clarkson, would go on to become a renowned television presenter, best known for hosting shows like Top Gear and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

Source: one, two