List of people and animals from Thomas & Friends

The following list of people and animals from Thomas & Friends describes the more notable people and animals that have appeared in the television series Thomas & Friends (along with The Railway Series books). The series features many fictional people and animals, including train drivers, footplate crews, workers and signalmen, who interact with the railway engine and vehicle characters and form the basis for many of the varying storylines.

Major and recurring
  • Sir Topham Hatt (also known as "The Fat Controller") (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK, the US version beginning with The Adventure Begins and Kerry Shale in the US and by Bruce Dow in All Engines Go) is the controller of the North Western Railway on the Island of Sodor and formerly the Skarloey Railway and Lady Hatt's husband.[1] He sometimes works on the steam engines himself,[2] and as a young man he drove a steam-powered lorry named Elizabeth.[3] Perceptive and shrewd, he has used elaborate schemes to get to the bottom of a problem.[4][5] His catchphrases are "You are a really useful engine." when he is proud of his engines and "You have caused confusion and delay!" when one of his engines messes up on something.
  • Lady Hatt (voiced by Teresa Gallagher in the UK and Jules de Jongh in the US and Rachael Miller in Series 24) is the Fat Controller's wife. She is very kind towards the engines. Although her husband runs a railway, she likes a day out on a boat or in their car.[6]
  • Stephen Hatt (voiced by Matt Wilkinson in the UK and William Hope) and Bridget Hatt (voiced by Teresa Gallagher in the UK and Jules de Jongh in the US and Rachael Miller in Series 24) live on Sodor and regularly spend holidays with their grandparents, the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt. They spent a long holiday on Toby's old line. Stephen Hatt was excited when he first met Toby, but Bridget Hatt accidentally offended him by assuming he was an electric tram.[7] Some time later, after Toby came to the Fat Controller's railway, the family traveled with Toby to an old castle and mine on a map the children found.[8]
  • Farmer Finney (voiced by Keith Wickham) is the driver of Terence. He owns a battery farm near Hackenbeck. His name was revealed in the 1996 annual story "James Gets Cracking". He first speaks in the Series 21 episode "Terence Breaks the Ice". His CGI model is retooled from the stout member of the Sodor Brass Band.
  • Mrs. Kyndley is an elderly lady who lives in a cottage near Hackenback Tunnel. While she was bedridden, an avalanche blocked the railway line by her house. By hanging a bright red dress from her window, she successfully stopped Thomas' train before it crashed. As a token of gratitude, the Fat Controller paid for Mrs. Kyndley to visit Bournemouth to get better. Years later, the other engines, hearing Thomas' story, wished to express thanks to Mrs. Kyndley for helping the railway, and threw her a Christmas party at Tidmouth Sheds.[9] Percy's crew helped to gather a good luck package for her daughter's wedding: Old Slow Coach (something old), a new set of buffers (something new), a flatbed (something borrowed), and Thomas (something blue).[10] Once when her sister was unable to make a visit, the Fat Controller went to great lengths to cheer Mrs. Kyndley up. She had a ride with Harold, then was taken by James to open the grounds at Harry Topper's Fair.[11]
  • Jem Cole (voiced by Christopher Ragland) is Trevor's driver, and helped save him from scrap when Edward found him.[12] Jem Cole also does other mechanical work on Sodor, also restoring Elizabeth[3] and the Refreshment Lady's Teashop.[13] Jem Cole has a love for old vehicles, and was a member of the party that went to rescue a lost engine called Duke.[14] He was one of Rheneas' passengers in a famous night that saved the narrow gauge railway.[15] His goat once caused delay for Percy, but ended up saving Maithwaite Station from a group of vandals.[16] Jem's last mention by name was in Series 7, in which he wore a suit and a derby, unlike his original, utilitarian look. He wasn't named again until Series 20's "Three Steam Engines Gruff".[17]
  • The Reverend is a vicar who lives at the Vicarage near Edward's branch line. When Trevor was facing scrap, Edward and his crew pleaded to the Vicar for help. After a demonstration, the Vicar was able to purchase Trevor for an agreeable price, and gave him a new home at the Vicarage orchard.[12] The Vicar regularly holds Sunday School outings,[18] fetes, and garden parties.[19][20] He often employs Jem Cole and Trevor to give rides at such holidays.[19] He keeps bees in the orchard and gives some of the honey to his friends. One time their hive broke while en route, and became a nuisance to James and his crew until they could return them to the orchard.[21] In The Railway Series, the character of the Vicar appears in the books Edward the Blue Engine and Thomas and the Twins.
  • Farmer Trotter (voiced by Matt Wilkinson in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) is the owner and operator of a pig farm. He also keeps beehives and has been known to herd sheep. According to a magazine article, he also keeps cows and chickens and grows carrots and potatoes. Jem Cole, Terence and Trevor sometimes work on his farm. Farmer Trotter is good friends with Farmer McColl. He was one of the men that found Duke in Series 4. His first speaking role was in Series 13. Farmer Trotter has appeared in Series 3 through 8, 10 through 14, 16 and 19. He was also mentioned in Series 15 and 21, and has cameos in some films.
  • The Refreshment Lady sells tea and other refreshments to passengers on the Narrow Gauge Railway. She owns a shop at the bay called "Neptune's Refreshments". She was almost left behind once when Peter Sam rushed to the junction. She was angry at first, but forgiving when she learned that Henry had goaded him into rushing.[22] Later, Peter Sam helped the Refreshment Lady to set up a new, mobile shop by restoring an old, disused coach.[13]
  • Nancy is a guard's daughter who lives near the Skarloey Railway and occasionally polished the engines.
  • Tom Tipper (voiced by Keith Wickham) is a postman who services Callan.
  • Dowager Hatt (voiced by Keith Wickham) is the Fat Controller's elderly mother, Lady Hatt's mother-in-law and Stephen and Bridget's great-grandmother, who had visited Sodor many times.[23][24] On one visit, after a string of technical problems on the railway, her Dalmatian became frightened and ran away, spending a work day inside Thomas' cab. She decides after the incident to call him "Gremlin", for all the errors that had happened that day.[23]
  • Old Bailey (voiced by Matt Wilkinson in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) is a fogman and is also the current stationmaster of the Hawin Lake station.
  • Cyril (voiced by Kerry Shale) is a fogman who lives on Sodor in an old cottage in Misty Valley. When there is fog about, he puts detonators on the tracks to warn the engines about the fog. One time he was replaced by a foghorn, but saved the day when the foghorn caused a landslide, and made Thomas crash. Cyril was soon given the job back. He is the second fogman named in the TV series, after Old Bailey from series 5.
  • Jenny Packard (affectionally known as Miss Jenny) (voiced by Harriet Kershaw) is an Irish woman who is the owner and leader of the Sodor Construction Company. She is warm and complimentary, and runs the yard under the firm rule that safety is her first priority. She often works closely with the railways and her machines, "The Pack", are friendly towards the railway.[25][26]
  • The Foreman (voiced by Keith Wickham) is Miss Jenny's second-in-command and a member of the Sodor Construction Company.
  • Farmer McColl (voiced by Matt Wilkinson in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) lives and works on a farm in the countryside with many animals, including cows, chickens, sheep and pigs. Sometimes when there's bad weather on the island, he needs help from engines to keep his animals safe and healthy. Engines like Toby,[27] Emily[28] and Trevor have all helped Farmer McColl in some way for his animals. Once, Thomas left a group of schoolchildren at his farm, and they spent the day learning about the animals.[29] Farmer McColl was introduced in series 6.
  • Allicia Botti (voiced by Jules de Jongh) is a famous opera singer from Italy (a coloratura). Thomas is chosen to take her to perform at a concert. However, after finding a mouse inside Clarabel, she refuses to travel in the coach. She instead chooses Percy.[30] Posters of her concerts are seen throughout the show.
  • The Sodor Brass Band (both voiced by Keith Wickham) are musicians who come to Sodor to perform. The engines transport them and enjoy their tunes, and they play wherever they are needed, such as Lady Hatt's birthday party. They also play music for the Sodor Circus. The Brass Band consists of 6 people, playing instruments like the trumpet, trombone, and the tuba.
  • The Duke (voiced by Matt Wilkinson in the UK and William Hope in the US) and Duchess of Boxford (voiced by Teresa Gallagher in the UK and Jules de Jongh in the US) semi-regularly visit Sodor, and have their own private engine Spencer, who, on his first visit to Sodor, boasted to Gordon, but then ran out of water on Gordon's Hill. The Duke and Duchess later bought a holiday home on the Island, and had Edward take their furniture wagon, who beat Spencer to the house. The Duke and Duchess visit quite regularly to see the railway.
  • Lord Callan (voiced by Keith Wickham) is the Scottish-born lord (and owner) of Callan Castle and nearby surrounding land. He first appeared in Series 7.
  • Mr Peregrine Percival (also known as "The Thin Controller" to the engines) (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) is the controller of the Skarloey Railway in the show. He is often found on his bike. In the US version, he is sometimes referred to as the Narrow Gauge Controller. Mr. Percival was introduced in series 9. In Series 10, he is featured with his unnamed wife.
  • The Mayor of Sodor (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and David Bedella in the US) is in charge of the Island. He was first mentioned in Series 7 and 8, before making his first appearance in Series 9.
  • Sir Lowham Hatt (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and Kerry Shale in the US) is the jolly twin brother of the Fat Controller.
  • Mr. Bubbles[lower-alpha 1] (voiced by Keith Wickham in the UK and Michael Brandon in the US) is a clown famous for blowing very big bubbles and performing with very large balloons. Sometimes, during performances, he wears a hat that looks like a funnel Thomas once had to wear.[31]
Norramby's coat of arms
  • Sir Robert Norramby (voiced by Mike Grady) is the current Earl of Sodor and the owner of Railway engines Stephen, Millie, Glynn and Ulfstead Castle. His official title is Earl, although he is popularly called "The Duke of Sodor". In The Railway Series, he succeeded to the title as a boy after his father was killed in the Second World War. In The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways he is termed Richard Robert Norramby. He opened the loop line to Lakeside on the Skarloey Railway.[32] He returned to Sodor after traveling the world, to restore Ulfstead Castle and turn it into a visitor attraction.
  • Sailor John (voiced by John Hurt) is the antagonist from the movie. He is a pirate and Skiff's previous owner.
  • Captain Joe (voiced by Matt Wilkinson) is Skiff's present owner, and the lighthouse keeper at Arlesburgh Harbour, who made his debut in the Series 20 episode "Blown Away". Following Sailor John's arrest, Captain Joe bought and now presently owns Skiff. In "Blown Away", he and Skiff once helped the residents of Arlesburgh to prepare for a storm.
  • Mr. Fergus Duncan (also known as "The Small Controller" (voiced by Rob Rackstraw) is the controller of the 15-inch gauge Arlesdale Railway. He is actually taller than the Fat Controller and Mr. Percival.
  • The Thin Clergyman (voiced by Rob Rackstraw) writes books. He is modeled after Wilbert Awdry. He first appeared in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
  • The Fat Clergyman (voiced by Tom Stourton) takes photographs. His first appearance was in The Great Race. He also appears in Series 20 and Series 21 and is modeled after Edwin Boston.
  • Willie (voiced by Keith Wickham in Series 20 and Steven Kynman in Series 24) is a farmer (and tractor driver) who works on a farm, near the 15-inch gauge Arlesdale Railway.
  • Charubala (voiced by Sheena Bhattessa) is the controller of the Indian Railway.
  • Dame Bella Canto (voiced by Flaminia Cinque) is a famous Italian opera singer.
  • Ruth (voiced by Dominique Moore) is an inventor who made her debut in Series 24, where she brings technology to the fair on Sodor.
  • Baz (voiced by Bob Golding) and Bernie (voiced by Rob Rackstraw) are two criminals from the Mainland who visited the Technology Fair.

DVD live-action segments
  • Mr. Arkwright (played by Robert Slade) is one of the drivers on Sodor and the Fat Controller's assistant. Introduced in the 2009 video "Team Up with Thomas", Arkwright presents live-action segments between the stories in which he instructs viewers to help him in a project, such as creating an engine out of cardboard boxes for the Fat Controller's grandchildren.[33][34] His office is located in the engine drivers' locker room at Knapford Station. Displayed inside the office are portraits of the Fat Controller and the engines.[35]
  • Mr. Gilbert Perkins (played by Ben Forster) is a driver who works on Sodor and is a good friend of the Fat Controller. He has appeared in between stories on DVDs since 2010, showing the viewers how to make crafts like a cake that looks just like Thomas to dressing up to reading stories. In further appearances, he was shown reading Railway Series stories to the viewers and writing postcards in Mr. Edwards' signal box. He hosted a version of Down at the Station titled Mr. Perkins' Railway.[36]

References
  1. Thomas and Friends series 1, "The Sad Story of Henry"
  2. Thomas and Friends series 1, "Henry's Special Coal"
  3. Thomas and Friends series 6, "Elizabeth the Vintage Lorry"
  4. Thomas and Friends series 2, "Diesel's Devious Deed"
  5. Thomas and Friends Series 2, "A Close Shave for Duck"
  6. Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday"
  7. Thomas and Friends Series 1, "Toby the Tram Engine"
  8. Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Toby's Discovery"
  9. Thomas and Friends Series 1, "Thomas' Christmas Party"
  10. Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Happy Ever After"
  11. Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Make Someone Happy".
  12. Thomas and Friends Season 2, "Saved from Scrap"
  13. Thomas and Friends Season 7, "The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop"
  14. Thomas and Friends Series 4, "Sleeping Beauty"
  15. Thomas and Friends Series 4, "Gallant Old Engine"
  16. Thomas and Friends Season 5, "Baa!"
  17. Thomas and Friends series 20, "Three Steam Engines Gruff"
  18. Thomas and Friends Series 3, "Percy's Promise"
  19. Thomas and Friends Series 3, "Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party"
  20. Thomas and Friends Series 7, "Best Dressed Engine"
  21. Thomas and Friends Series 3, "Buzz Buzz"
  22. Thomas and Friends Series 4, "Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady"
  23. Thomas and Friends Series 5, "Gordon and the Gremlins"
  24. Thomas and Friends Series 9, "Thomas and the Birthday Picnic"
  25. Thomas and Friends Season 6, "Jack Jumps In"
  26. Thomas and Friends Series 6, "A Friend in Need"
  27. Thomas and Friends Series 6, "Toby Had a Little Lamb"
  28. Thomas and Friends Series 8, "Emily's Adventure"
  29. Thomas and Friends Series 8, "Chickens to School"
  30. Thomas and Friends Series 6, "Thomas, Percy and the Squeak"
  31. Thomas and Friends series 13, "Slippy Sodor"
  32. Awdry, Reverend W.; Awdry, George (1987). The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways. Kaye and Ward. p. 107.
  33. Thomas and Friends: Team Up With Thomas Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
  34. Thomas and Friends: Percy and the Bandstand Archived 2011-07-11 at the Wayback Machine
  35. MURPHYPRODUCTIONS828 (13 February 2011). "Mr. Arkwright Clips from Percy and the Bandstand DVD" (video). youtube.com. youtube.com. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  36. Engine Driver Archive. "'Mr. Perkin's Railway' playlist (episodes 33-45)" (YouTube playlist). youtube.com. Retrieved 26 September 2021.

Notes
  1. Also known as "Kuffy the Clown" or "Mr. Giggles".
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