A previously unseen episode of iconic children’s series Thomas & Friends is being released today on the brand’s YouTube channel (1800 BST). A reconstructed version of the show’s pilot, Down The Mine, the episode is being released to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Thomas’ first appearance in books by the Reverend Awdry.
Now owned by Mattel, Thomas & Friends was developed as a TV property by Britt Allcroft and triggered a preschool gold rush, with producers and distributors anxious to create the next great global kids franchise. While the show is still widely distributed on TV, its main YouTube channel has also racked up 3.8m subscribers.
Ian McCue, the series producer on the show from 2010 to 2020, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the team “stumbled across” film cans containing the pilot and “had to piece it together with great love and care”. Called Down The Mine, the original recording was created with 35mm film and has been restored digitally. It is voiced by Ringo Starr, the former Beatle who narrated the original 52 episode run.
Roberto Stanichi, EVP, Hot Wheels and global head of vehicles & building sets at Mattel, said: “For 80 years, the Thomas & Friends brand has brought joy to generations, sharing timeless stories and valuable life lessons. As we celebrate this momentous year, we’re unveiling 40-year-old footage and newly uncovered stories from the vault for the first time ever, offering longtime fans and new audiences the chance to reconnect with the beloved adventures of Thomas & Friends.”
