Harpenden teenager voices famous cartoon train in new show

A 13-year-old student from Hertfordshire is the new voice of Thomas the Tank Engine in an upcoming animated series. Harry Sparkes, who lives in Harpenden, plays the lead role in Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories. The young actor managed to hide his weekly recording work from his school friends for nine months by telling them he was going to physiotherapy for a foot injury. In the new show, Sparkes shares the screen with actor Henry Golding, known for his work in Crazy Rich Asians and The Gentlemen. Golding narrates the programme, taking on a famous storytelling job previously held by Sir Ringo Starr.