New theme tune, new trains and a gender-balanced Steam TeamWhen Thomas the Tank Engine kicks off its new series on Channel 5 next week, it's going to look and sound nothing like episodes that fans have ever seen before.
The series has been making some huge changes over the last few years, like introducing more international characters, in an effort to appeal to a wider audience that watches Channel 5's Milkshake! programming block.
This re-branding will continue with a near-total overhaul this year, which will see the classic theme tune 'Roll Call' phased out and traditional narrator replaced by Thomas himself (sayonara, Ringo!) so the show can take on a more fast-paced, energetic format.
There's also going to be a gender-balanced Steam Team to reflect the growing amount of girls watching Thomas & Friends. In the series, Thomas' crew will include three boys — Percy, James and Gordon — and three girls — Emily, Nia and Rebecca — to be more reflective of the changing viewership.
And, for the first time ever, Thomas will be leaving Sodor for adventures all over the world. The new series will feature 13 episodes in Sodor, and then he'll set off for five shows in China.
In China, he'll meet new friend Yong Bao and blue tank engine Hong-Mei. Next, Thomas will travel to India for four episodes, where he'll make friends with Ashima and a female rail controller named Churubala.
His world travels will wrap up in Australia for four episodes with a visit with pal Shane and the flying doctor plane Isla. Sadly, there's no word on Peter Andre reprising his recent role…
Thomas & Friends premieres its new-look series during a special BAFTA screening in London today (September 1), and then on telly on Channel 5 on Monday (September 3) at 7am.