THOMAS & FRIENDS AT 75

Thomas The Tank Engine is 75.

The beloved anthropomorphic steam engine, a favourite of generations of children, first appeared in the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s The Railway Series books, originally published in 1945.

The TV adaption arrived in 1984 and proved a hit with viewers, with the colourful cast of characters – including engines Thomas and Percy, as well as railway overseer the Fat Controller – captivating young audiences.

Thomas & Friends celebrates its 75th anniversary on Tuesday and to mark the occasion here are some of the show’s best celebrity guests:

Ringo Starr, lent his distinctive Scouse brogue to the show as narrator, voicing the first two series in the UK from 1984 to 1986. Starr also voiced Mr Conductor in Shining Time Station.
He left to focus on his music career and was replaced as narrator in the UK by Michael Angelis and George Carlin in the US.

James Bond star Pierce Brosnan narrated a Thomas & Friends film in 2008.Speaking at the time, the actor said he was “thrilled by the opportunity to be the narrator for this beloved series.”

Actor Hugh Bonneville lent his voice to the train Merlin in a Thomas & Friends movie in 2017. Merlin is a ‘stealth engine’ who believes he has the power to make himself invisible.Bonneville described the character as “rather enchanting”.

Alec Baldwin was another famous face to bring his talents to Sodor.Baldwin, known for his roles in Glengarry Glen Ross and The Hunt for Red October, replaced Carlin as narrator in 1998, taking the controls for the fifth and six series in the US. He also starred as Mr Conductor in 2000’s Thomas And The Magic Railroad.

Peter Fonda was another star who lent his voice to the movie.
John Hurt, who possessed one of the most distinctive voices in British acting, lent his voice to a pirate in Thomas & Friends.

The Duke of Sussex added a royal touch to Thomas & Friends when he provided an on-camera introduction for a special episod.

Not content with Hollywood stars, Thomas & Friends took a regal route for 75th anniversary special The Royal Engine.
Harry provided an on-camera introduction to the episode and told of his “fond memories” of growing up watching the show.

Bollywood star Tina Desai lent her voice to Thomas & Friends.Thomas went from Hollywood to Bollywood when producers cast Indian actress and model Desai in 2016. She voiced Ashima in The Great Race, later returning in 2018 for series 22 and 23.

Peter Andre provided a song for Thomas & Friends, as well as voicing a character, the Australian singer and actor gave a typically flamboyant performance as the mischievous bright yellow race car Ace in 2018’s Big World! Big Adventures! The Movie.