Thomas the Tank series creator Britt Allcroft dies aged 81

Tributes have poured in for the TV producer

The TV producer was the mind behind the beloved children's show after she secured the rights to adapt the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series books in the 1970s.

Allcroft adapted the books for the small screen, creating the 1984 series Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends, later shortened to Thomas & Friends.

The show would go on to become one of the most iconic British children's TV series.

Her death was announced by filmmaker Brannon Carty, who knew Allcroft from making the 2023 documentary An Unlikely Fandom: The Impact of Thomas the Tank Engine.

In a statement shared by Carty, Allcroft's family paid tribute to the "adoring mother and wife and visionary producer."

“It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Britt Allcroft,” the statement said.

“The Allcroft-Wright family has asked me to bring this news to the Thomas fandom. The family is currently in mourning and asks that their privacy be respected at this time.

“She brought so much joy and happiness to people everywhere during her time on Earth.

Carty continued: “Over the years of knowing Britt, we developed a close connection. It was truly a privilege to have her as both a mentor and a friend, and I’m so glad that so many fans were able to meet her at the New York screening of An Unlikely Fandom. It was an absolute honour to have her in our documentary, and she has since remained a vocal supporter of our cause.”

“I think I can speak for the entirety of the fandom when I say that all of us will deeply miss her. Without her, so many of us would never have met. While I am devastated by her passing, we can all find comfort in the certainty that her legacy will endure forever through Thomas and his fans around the world. Rest in peace.”

Tributes have poured in for Allcroft from fans, who thanked her for 'making their childhood' with the Thomas the Tank Engine series, the Metro reports.

One wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking news… Thank you Britt for making the childhood of many, thank you for all you’ve done for Thomas. I think I speak for everyone when I say we’ll miss you dearly."

Another said: "The woman who introduced the cheeky little blue tank engine we all know and love to the TV screen around the world. Rest in Peace Britt, and thank you so much for all the wonderful childhood memories!"

A third commented: "May she rest in peace. Her memory will live on in the joy she created in thousands of childhoods."

First broadcast in October 1984, Thomas & Friends was adapted by Allcroft and her husband Angus Wright, who together spent four years raising funds to make the first 26 episodes.

After decades of success, 584 episodes, the show came to an end in 2021. The series aired across 185 countries and territories, and spawned 13 feature-length films and one theatrical release.

It also became known for featuring A-list narrators, including Ringo Starr, George Carlin and Alec Baldwin.