A 13-year-old boy from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, named Harry Sparkes, has taken on the role of Thomas the Tank Engine in a new animated series. This marks Sparkes’ first experience in voice acting, and he joins actor Henry Golding, who provides the narration for the series. Golding follows in the footsteps of notable figures like Sir Ringo Starr and Pierce Brosnan, who previously narrated a 2008 movie special. Sparkes kept his involvement in the project a secret from his classmates for nine months, telling them he was undergoing physiotherapy for a foot injury. He admitted he thought they would be surprised to learn he was voicing one of the most beloved characters in children’s entertainment. Sparkes expressed excitement about being part of a project that future generations of children will grow up watching. The new series, Thomas & Friends: Railway Stories, introduces a refreshed version of the world of Sodor while celebrating the classic railway adventures first introduced in Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s original Railway Series, published in 1945. The franchise, now owned by Mattel, promises a new spin and added excitement to the long-running Thomas & Friends brand. Henry Golding believes the series updates the franchise for modern audiences while maintaining its charm and appeal. The new series will be available on the Thomas & Friends YouTube channel starting 17 September, followed by a streaming release on Netflix from 30 September. A full series is expected to debut in early 2027, continuing the legacy of one of the most enduring children's franchises in television history.