Thomas the Tank Engine to become gender-balanced with more female trains, an African character and episodes abroad - in support of United Nations development goals

Overhaul will see departure of two male characters to make way for female ones

Engines Henry and Edwards will move to to make way for Nia and Rebecca

Thomas will also embark on adventures around the world for the new series

By Stewart Paterson For Mailonline

PUBLISHED: 09:07 BST, 15 October 2017 | UPDATED: 10:47 BST, 15 October 2017

An overhaul of Thomas the Tank Engine will see two male engines turfed out to make way for female characters.

Henry and Edward will be moving out of Tidmouth Sheds to make way for Nia, an orange engine from Africa, and Rebecca, a yellow-coloured engine.

They will join Emily, the other female engine, as well as the boys Thomas, Percy James and Gordon.

And the tradition of Liverpudlian narration - which first began with Ringo Starr - will disappear, as well as the theme tune with its roll-call of engine names.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4981816/Thomas-Tank-Engine-...