Britt Allcroft, creator of Thomas and Friends, dies at 81

newsweek.com January 3, 2025, 09:01 AM UTC

Britt Allcroft, the creator of "Thomas and Friends," has died at 81. She was known for producing the show, which aired for 24 seasons from 1984 to 2021, and became a global favorite among children. Allcroft secured rights to the Railway Series books and created the show that introduced Thomas the Tank Engine to audiences worldwide. Her innovative approach shaped children's programming for decades. Filmmaker Brannon Carty announced her passing on social media, sharing condolences from the Allcroft-Wright family. A full obituary will appear in the Times of London on Friday.


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