'The Rocket Returns' becomes 'Afternoon Tea Express'

An upcoming story from Season 17 has had its TV series title revealed by ABC Television.

The Rocket Returns was unveiled by amazon.com in May as a tie-in book for an episode from the DVD, Spills & Thrills, coming soon in 2014.

However, it will now be based on The Aftenoon Tea Express. Stephen is to be the main character with The Earl of Sodor and Spencer in co-starring.

The summary reads; Stephen becomes very excited when the Earl gives him the special job of collecting the ingredients for the afternoon teas at the Castle. But Spencer teases him about being too old and slow.

Although being one of the first episodes for 2013 to be revealed, its official title was uncertain at the time.

The season's span of 26 stories will be carried onto the forthcoming 18th Series next year.

Series 17 of Thomas & Friends marks its Australian premiere tomorrow on October 9th on ABC2 at 8am, with the episode Steamie Stafford.