Exclusive: Sam Blewitt on 'Tale of the Brave' and more

Sam Blewitt has detailed on his involvement in the Tale of the Brave feature-length special.

The veteran vocalist of the CGI era of the TV series returned to sing Tale of the Brave.

Earlier this month, Roll Along Thomas spoke to Blewitt about how his song came to being.

In the usual manner, Hit contacts [composer] Robert Hartshorne to put a song together, he contacts me to see when I can sing it, then we get together at his studio and start working. 

We actually recorded two versions of the song. The first one was great, but we (the producers and us) all felt on listening to it that it was a little bit too mature sounding for Thomas the Tank Engine...

It didn't quite fit. So Robert and I recorded another version, which is the one you hear now. 

The song of the same name as the story was used briefly in the special but didn't appear in its full form as an extra on DVD. Blewitt has since reacted to this.

I wasn't aware if it not being used as an extra on the DVD or that it was a shortened version.

The producers used a different type of song by another writer and producer [Eggplant LF] for the end title song [Let's Be Brave], I know nothing about that to be honest.

I'm not aware of any plans of it to be released in full, of course I would like to see that happen.

Lending his voice to more than ten songs in the franchise, the singer commented on the reception he has received.

The feedback has been fantastic. I'm very proud to have been associated with Thomas the Tank Engine, it's part of our heritage in a way. I'm honoured that the fans think so much of my work, I really enjoy working on the songs.

I do keep the songs. [I] also have some of the films and DVDs we've worked on. I need a few more DVD's, so I'll hopefully get the collection up to date soon.

Exclusive: Moraghan confirms start on Series 18 UK dub

The British dub of Season 18 has commenced recording with the voice cast in London.

Today, Mark Moraghan took to Twitter on his return to record more episodes; Early into dat Lundon back on the little blue tank engine. Nice morning but a bit parky, four degrees, brrr! 

Roll Along Thomas meanwhile contacted the storyteller to clarify the series; Yes it is [Season 18]! I'm not really allowed to talk about it!

The American dub was completed sometime before, with the Trouble on the Tracks DVD offering the first glimpse of the season.

At the tailing end of March, Moraghan tweeted his excitement ahead of his sessions; Looking forward to recording the next series of Thomas & Friends very soon!

Thomas & Friends' 18th series premieres on UK and US television this fall.

Bob Golding reprises Eric Morecambe role for ITV drama

Bob Golding is to appear in a one-off drama for ITV in the United Kingdom as Eric Morecambe.

The man behind the voices of Stephen and Sidney reprises his role as the one-half of classic comedy duo Morecambe and Wise for Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This this month.

Dramatisating the life of the comedian and magician, played by David Threlfall, Men Behaving Badly's Simon Nye pens the script.

A known admirer, Golding has portrayed Morecambe in the Olivier Award winning one-man show of the same name since 2009 and is currently on tour until June 21st.

Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This airs on ITV in the UK on April 21st at 9pm.

British voice cast tease 'Tale of the Brave: The Movie'

Two members of Thomas & Friends' voice cast have given hints towards the latest feature-length special.

Tale of the Brave, due later this year, is to introduce four new characters to the series in the forms of Gator, Marion, Timothy and Reg.

Today saw Teresa Gallagher tweeting her wrapping on the upcoming special; Well, that's Annie and Clarabel recorded for the next Thomas & Friends Special. Exciting guest actor voicing new character!

Narrator Mark Moraghan last week joined in on the hype when answering a fan's query; Yes it's a good one!

Returnees appearing in the story include Stanley after one series away and Oliver who was last seen in the 12th Series.

Tale of the Brave: The Movie is coming soon to UK and US DVD.

Ringo Starr animated in 'The Powerpuff Girls' new clip

Ringo Starr has been featured in a new clip from a one-off revival of The Powerpuff Girls.

The Beatles drummer, and original narrator of Thomas, is depicted in animated form as himself performing a new song while wearing a Powerpuff themed dress.

Specifically written for the feature-length episode Dance Pantsed, the song I Wish I Was a Powerpuff Girl, serves as one of two contributions from Starr, with himself providing the voice of Fibonacci Sequins.

Originally scheduled for broadcast in the fall of 2013, the episode was pushed back to January 2014.

A trailer of the episode meanwhile was released by art director Kevin Dart last December.

The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed premieres on Cartoon Network in the US on January 20th from 6:30pm with the UK's Boomerang following in June.

Gwyneth Paltrow originally 'Great Discovery' narrator

It has been revealed that an A-list movie star was to become the narrator of Thomas & Friends in 2007.

In a post by The SiF Blog, Gwyneth Paltrow was in negotiations with Hit Entertainment to take on the role of the storyteller for The Great Discovery feature-length special.

Although not taken to fruition, Paltrow's signing is said to have mirrored Pierce Brosnan's initial agreement of three series and three specials.

Married to Coldplay's Chris Martin, the actress would have become the brand's first female storyteller in English speaking territories as part of a major shakeup for the series.

Paltrow gained global recognition in Shakespeare in Love before starring in major films such as Shallow Hal and more recently as Robert Downey Jr.'s love interest Pepper Potts in the Iron Man trilogy and The Avengers.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE ON THE SIF BLOG

Mark Moraghan re-narrates Season 13 story in US DVD

Present storyteller Mark Moraghan has lent his voice to an existing episode in a new US DVD.

Santa's Little Engine was released in America today and contains four episodes from the 17th Series.

To add more value due to the 2013 season only having four Christmas stories, Snow Tracks is provided as a filler.

According to US fans, Michael Brandon's original narration has been replaced by new narration by Mark Moraghan for the Season 13 re-issue.

It has also been confirmed that Santa's Little Engine, Frozen Turntable and The Missing Christmas Decorations were written by Andrew Brenner while Laura Beaumont and Paul Larson penned No Snow for Thomas.

Santa's Little Engine from Lionsgate Entertainment is out now to buy on US DVD.

Stage actor Jonathan Broadbent cast as Bill and Ben

Jonathan Broadbent has been revealed as the voice of Bill and Ben in a brand new episode.

The actor, who has been in countless professional stage productions since 1998, lent his voice to the returned China Clay Twins in the story, Percy's Lucky Day, which aired today on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK.

Broadbent, who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, has been accomplished as a prolific stage actor by being associated with productions from the National Theatre, the British Old Vic and the RSC.

Peter Pan, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Twelfth Night are just some of the shows attached to his name. Broadbent also provided several voice-overs for a 2005 Pokémon video game

Alongside minor television roles in Hallmark and Channel 4's 1999 version of Alice in Wonderland and the BBC sitcom Gimme Gimme Gimme, his other experiences include musical theatre, film and acrobatics.

Gallagher and Menkin board new Thunderbirds revival

Voice artists Teresa Gallagher and David Menkin have joined ITV's new series of children's classic, Thunderbirds.

English and Norwegian speaking Menkin, who was revealed to be the US voice of Jack, is to voice Virgil Tracy in the forthcoming revival of the late Gerry Anderson produced series.

Meanwhile, Gallagher announced on Twitter that she was cast in the program, just a day after actress Rosamund Pike of Wrath of the Titans and recent The World's End fame, was confirmed by the press to play Lady Penelope.

Not being famous & last to be cast, am not featured in [yesterday's] Thunderbird news items, but am THRILLED to say yes, yes I AM in [the] cast of new TB!!

Fellow Thomas cast member, Kerry Shale then tweeted Gallagher in support; Big Congrats, Tree. Am hoping for a guest villain spot!

Original voice artist David Graham is to reprise his role as Parker, Penelope's chauffeur while Facejacker and Four Lions star Kayvan Novak will portray Brains.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Rasmus Hardiker take on the Tracy brothers Gordon, John and Alan and Scott respectively.

The CGI and live-action project is to be directed by The Lord of the Rings and Superman Returns' visual effects artist, David Scott.

Thunderbirds Are Go! is coming soon to UK television on ITV in 2015.

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Exclusive: David Menkin named as US voiceover of Jack

The producer of Thomas & Friends has confirmed the identity of the American voice of Jack.

The front loader of Miss. Jenny's The Pack team returned in the King of the Railway special after his last appearance in the Season 12 episode, Percy and the Bandstand.

In the UK, Steven Kynman voiced the character, but his US counterpart was thought to be provided by Thomas and Diesel current voice actor, Martin T. Sherman.

Roll Along Thomas can exclusively reveal a response from the show's current producer Ian McCue, who reveals that a new cast member has joined the series.

You are [all] correct in assuming Steve Kynman for the UK voice of Jack, but for the US voice it was an actor called David Menkin who does have a similar tone to Martin.

David Menkin is an American actor and voiceover artist based in London who has acted in several stage shows such as The Green Violin and Christmas with the Rat Pack.

He has occasionally played a part in television shows such as the fourth series of Strike Back, Shadow Warfare and voices Scoop in the US version of Bob the Builder: Ready, Steady, Build!.

More recently, Menkin gained opportunities to feature in the Oscar winning film, Zero Dark Thirty and provide several voices for the animated picture, Arthur Christmas

Thanks to Daniel Coffey.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DAVID MENKIN ON IMDB

Alec Baldwin in line to be prime-time talk show host

Former narrator Alec Baldwin is reported to carve out a new career as a talk show host in the US.

The Hollywood actor, who became the storyteller for Thomas & Friends' Fifth and Sixth Seasons, is to present a primetime weekly chat show on MSNBC for a 10pm slot on Fridays.

Announced by political blog Mediaite earlier this month, the deal chronicles Baldwin's long association with the NBC owned network.

However, the actor hasn't escaped criticism from the limelight with many commentators lamenting the network's decision to sign up Baldwin.

Their previous show, popular sitcom 30 Rock, ran for seven seasons and ended in January earlier this year.

Thanks to PeterSam1992 for the alert.

Michael Brandon dances for primetime ITV dance show

Michael Brandon is to be a contestant on a primetime dance show this month on UK television.

With wife Glynis Barber, the two will compete together on Stepping Out for ITV, long being touted as a rival to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

The show sees six celebrities taking on different styles of dancing with their real-life partners. Both the recently verified Brandon and Barber have been tweeting avidly over their progress.

The two appeared on All Star Mr & Mrs earlier this year on the channel to be quizzed on their relationship and ended up winning £20,000 for The Autism Trust.

Professional boxer Carl Froch and JLS' Ortisé Williams are just some of the other stars who have signed on to be part of the show.

Stepping Out premieres on ITV in the UK on August 31st at 6:30pm.

Bob Golding appears in cameo role in BBC's Eastenders

Stephen voice actor, Bob Golding made a brief cameo appearance in tonight's Eastenders.

The actor, who voices the Rocket engine in the King of the Railway movie, played Colin in the BBC One serial drama.

The character was among several bachelors who tried to succeed in gaining a date as part of a single's night in Albert Square's R&R club.

Colin's luck soon had him connect with the square's Bianca Butcher who denied having a degree, to which Colin responded with; Neither do I. His fleeting character also interacted with Phaldut Sharma's A.J. Ahmed.

Golding is to continue his brief stint through the next week when the dating storyline comes to an abrupt end.

WATCH BOB GOLDING'S CAMEO IN EASTENDERS ON BBC iPLAYER AT 22:12

(ONLY AVAILABLE FOR UK VIEWERS)

Long-serving US narrator Michael Brandon joins Twitter

Ex-storyteller of Thomas & Friends in America, Michael Brandon, has joined Twitter.

The Brooklyn born actor based in London, created his own account on the social networking website last week under the guidance of his wife, actress Glynis Barber.

Barber, whom he met on the set of 80's cop show Dempsey and Makepeace, tweets sporadically about her husband, often referred to as Hwmnbn (He who must not be named).

He became associated with Thomas as US narrator in 2004 and remained with the show for nine seasons until 2012's Blue Mountain Mystery, becoming the country's longest-serving narrator.

Since then, Brandon has gone to appear in television roles in Mr. Selfridge, Episodes, Death in Paradise and starred with his wife in Dundee Rep's production of Love Letters.

VISIT MICHAEL BRANDON'S TWITTER @MrMBrandon

'The Wolverine' movie considered Togo Igawa casting

It has emerged that Hiro voice actor, Togo Igawa, would have appeared in The Wolverine film.

The Japanese born cast member based in the UK, was considered to play a part in the latest X-Men spin-off.

According to IMDB and several other websites, Togo Igawa was considered for the role of Shingen.

Hiroyuki Sanada eventually took on the role of the crime figure, whom Igawa had starred with in Edward Zwick's The Last Samurai.

The Wolverine is now showing in cinemas worldwide and will hit more countries later in August.

Voice actor Teresa Gallagher opens Twitter account

Female voice-over Teresa Gallagher has opened her own account on social networking site, Twitter.

The actress, who voices Emily, Mavis, the Duchess of Boxford and others, follows in the footsteps of fellow cast members and regular tweeters Kerry Shale, Bob Golding, Steven Kynman, Michael Legge and Mark Moraghan.

Gallagher joined the series since 2009's Hero of the Rails as part of Thomas' CGI overhaul and has since been cast in the roles of Rosie, Lady Hatt, Belle and Annie and Clarabel, to name but a few.

Her television credits include The Bill, Footballers' Wives, Doctors and Casualty as well as being part of the cartoons, The Octonauts, Pinky and Perky Show and The Mr. Men Show.

She has also had occasional stints on film in The Jacket, The King's Speech and as Mater's Computer in Disney and Pixar's Cars 2.

VISIT TERESA GALLAGHER'S TWITTER @TREEVOICES

Forthcoming episode teased by Kerry Shale on Twitter

Cast member Kerry Shale has teased a forthcoming Thomas & Friends episode on Twitter.

The London based actor, who reprised his roles as Scruff and Harold among others in Season 17, tweeted after a voice recording session about a coincidental day involving an animal.

Spooky. Spent the afternoon voicing a Thomas The Tank episode about ducks. Soon off to a French restaurant where we pre-ordered duck. Quack.

The first ten episodes of Season 17 began broadcasting on British television screens from June 3rd to 14th. PBS Kids is to screen the series in the US on October 7th.

Season 17 of Thomas & Friends continues on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK in October.

Actress Miranda Raison takes on narrow gauge Millie

British actress Miranda Raison has been named as the voice of narrow gauge engine Millie.

The Norfolk born star lent her vocals to Sodor's first French engine in the episode The Switch which aired today on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK. Her name was listed in the end credits.
The character switched her duties for the day with Luke under the approval of Mike Grady's Sir Robert Norramby and Mr. Percival.

Millie is due to make her first proper appearance in the King of the Railway film later this year.

Raison is most recognisable to audiences as Tallulah in the Doctor Who episodes Daleks in Manhattan and Evolution of the Daleks and in the multi-award winning film My Week with Marilyn as Vanessa.

Miranda has also gained roles in the BBC's Spooks, Death in Paradise, Vexed and more recently as Dr. Stella Drew in ITV's Lewis.

Steven Kynman lends voice to returned engine Duck

Duck the Great Western Engine's return to the series has been met with a positive response.

The episode, Henry's Hero, was transmitted on Britain's Channel 5 milkshake!. Today, viewers caught the first glimpse of Duck in his CGI glory made by current animators, Arc Productions.
The engine played a brief cameo role to tell both Hiro and Henry that he had been sent to replace some bad coal with good coal.

Attributing his comeback was a fresh voice, lent by cast member Steven Kynman. The actor gave Duck a West Country accent, fitting in with the character's origins.

Togo Igawa also returned to voice Hiro, who had not spoken since Season 15's Fiery Flynn, despite the character making a number of appearances in the 16th Series.

Rebecca O'Mara and Jonathan Forbes join voice cast

Two voice actors have joined Thomas & Friends for its Seventeenth Series and onwards since 2012.

Calm Down Caitlin by Postman Pat, Dennis & Gnasher and Rastamouse writer Davey Moore, aired today on Channel 5 milkshake! in the UK.

The episode introduced viewers to Caitlin the Mainland Engine who couldn't contain her excitement to be working on the Island of Sodor, despite it being night time.
The character's voice was provided by Irish actress Rebecca O'Mara, whose name was listed in the end credits.

O'Mara, who graduated from LAMDA, has largely worked in the theatre industry acting in plays such as Macbeth, The Way of the World, Far from the Madding Crowd and Mrs. Warren's Profession.

She has had a limited time in television with roles in the BBC's Doctors, ITV's The History of Mr. Polly and of course, Thomas & Friends.

Appearing very briefly at the end of the episode was Connor the Mainland Engine, voiced by another fellow Irish actor, Jonathan Forbes.

Unlike O'Mara, Forbes has had an extensive career participating in theatre shows alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company with King Lear, Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet to name but a few.

Playing parts in two films, Forbes has also lent his voice to many BBC Radio productions and has been on the small screen in The Bill, Casualty, Foyle's War and more recently in Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror on Channel 4.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TWO VOICE ARTISTS' WORK ON THEIR ONLINE CV'S

REBECCA O'MARA

JONATHAN FORBES