Unreleased pilot episode of Thomas and Friends streams

Thomas & Friends Mark 80th Anniversary with Unreleased 1980s Pilot Episode…

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of British children’s classic, Thomas & Friends, an original unseen version of the pilot episode is now streaming for the first time ever – with narration voiced by former Beatle, Ringo Starr.

Having first captured the hearts and minds of the nation in 1945 when the first book was released, the show continues to delight audiences worldwide with stories of friendship, adventure and teamwork. Fans are also being given an exclusive opportunity to own some of the historic memorabilia tying back to the brand’s eight decades of rich heritage.

Having dug deep into their archives, the unseen footage from ‘Down The Mine’ – the original 1983 pilot episode – is a celebration of the classic model series. The 40-year-old recording was lovingly crafted on 35mm film trims and has been pieced back together before being rebuilt and digitalised audibly, and visibly. It provides a new look and feel to the episode which kickstarted it all.

Mike O’Donnell, the series composer between 1984-2003 has also crafted a bespoke musical arrangement to accompany the special episode. Not only will it feature the world famous classic model trains, but the voiceover from legendary musician, Ringo Starr, will also contain previously unheard narration. Starr was the first of many notable storytellers to join the show, paving the way for future celebrity voices, even royal ones.

Ian McCue, Thomas & Friends Series Producer (2012-2020) inspecting the newly discovered 1983 pilot episode reel ‘Down the Mine’ from Thomas & Friends.

“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 in new and nostalgic ways.” – Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president, Hot Wheels and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel

The franchise has also partnered with specialist memorabilia auctioneer Propstore to give fans of the show the exclusive opportunity to own original pieces from the brand’s history. The collection includes signed items from celebrity friends, original artwork and props from the iconic stop motion scenes that first aired in 1984. Also to be auctioned are one-of-a-kind pieces signed by the iconic British actors to have voiced some of the many characters over the years – including Olivia Coleman, Eddie Redmayne and Hugh Bonneville.

Mattel UK will be donating all of the NET proceeds collected from the auctions to the National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity that provides support, guidance and advice for autistic people and their families. The show itself seeks to thoughtfully reflect the traits and preferences of some autistic people, having introduced their first ever autistic character – Bruno the Break Car in late 2022.

The pilot episode can be seen onYouTube and can be viewed HERE.