Bob the Builder - New look, new voices, new city!
HIT Entertainment, makers of Bob the Builder, has today unveiled that everyone’s favourite builder has been given his biggest ever re-vamp in the show’s 15 year history.
The new series will air globally from late 2015. Not only will the pint-sized construction king look different, he’ll sound different too, with a new star actor signed up to voice the role of Bob, as well as new voices for Bob’s business partner Wendy, and trusty vehicle, Scoop.
The new line up of stars lending their voices to bring the new look Bob the Builder to life include film and TV actor Lee Ingleby - known to audiences for playing Stan Shunpike in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, alongside Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt who voices Wendy and Inbetweeners star Blake Harrison – famous for playing Neil Sutherland in the E4 comedy - to voice the part of Scoop.
Lee commented: “I was very excited to be given the opportunity to be the voice of such a well-loved character. My little nephew is such a huge fan of Bob that I had to jump at the chance. Capturing a child's imagination is so important, and I just wish I was half as good at DIY as Bob is.”
Joanne – who parents will recognise from her role as Anna in BBC period drama Downton Abbey – said she couldn’t resist the role. She commented: “My Godchildren are huge fans of the show so I'm looking forward to seeing their reactions when the new series begins.
“Wendy is a strong and positive female role model and I think it is important that children's television shows positive social values. Bob the Builder is a show that provides entertainment, education and excitement for kids. It is a great show to be involved in and incredibly fun to record."
Blake added "I'm really excited to be a part of such a long running successful series. I'm even more excited to be involved in a project that my daughter can watch before she's 30. Working on an animation is completely new to me, but as a method actor I know only one way to prepare for a role, so I've painted myself yellow and am now offering to dig up anything you may need!”
Actor Jacob Scipio, who plays Bob’s new apprentice, Leo, said: “Humans have the extraordinary ability to connect to one another simply though an expression, kids especially. Animation differs to any other acting job I’ve had in the past as I can only tell Leo’s story through my voice. I like to play around with the character, as I find that the easiest way to see what works and what doesn’t for him; it’s a sort of fun trial and error.”
The new-look Bob the Builder is still the same Bob that audiences know and love. From the top of his yellow hard hat to the toes of his boots, Bob is ready to go! His trusty tool belt is now jam-packed with all manner of handy kit - no project is too big, no problem too hard to solve.
Christopher Kennan, VP Global Content & Executive Producer at HIT Entertainment said that he was looking forward to viewers reactions to the new series, which promises to feature lots of laughs for little ones...and parents too.
He commented: “While the new series retains the emotional warmth that has always given Bob the Builder a firm place in the hearts of young viewers, it’s now packed with more humour than ever before.”
All of the show’s key characters return - machines Muck and Lofty - plus there are some new arrivals, including Leo, Mayor Maria Madison and energetic young sports club members ‘The Spring City Rockets’.
As well as an updated look and sound, the upcoming series sees Bob moving to a new home in Spring City - a glimmering new modern, rapidly-developing metropolis of steel and glass, complete with its own docks, a diverse population and strips of shops and restaurants.
His new home and yard - which has also been modernised to include a revolutionary new interactive design computer - are based on the outskirts of Spring City. But it doesn’t spell the end for his traditional home in Fixham - Bob will still build in and around the village, with episodes featuring more domestic tasks based there.
Bob the Builder and his crew are back and ready to get the job done, "Can we fix it? Yes, we can!"
