The makers of Peppa Pig have confirmed what will happen to the onscreen presence of Grandpa Pig following the death of David Graham who voiced him.
The legendary voice actor died aged 99 on September 20.
Brand new episodes featuring Graham are set to launch exclusively on Milkshake! on Channel 5 from September 30 and will be available to catch up on My5 after they have aired.
He will appear in episodes 28 and 38, titled Broken Party Bus and Thanksgiving respectively.
Not only that, but Graham will continue to be a part of new Peppa Pig content right through to 2027.
Confirming the news, a representative told The Standard: “We’re saddened by the passing of David Graham, yet we’re so grateful that his voice will live on with Grandpa Pig for many upcoming episodes.”
The official Peppa Pig Instagram account has shared two tributes following Graham’s sad passing.
Alongside a picture of the late star, they penned: “Celebrating all of the cherished memories we’ve had with David Graham. David, the voice of Grandpa Pig, brought us so much laughter and joy, and touched the hearts of millions of families across the world with his incredible talent.
“We will miss him dearly. Forever jumping in muddy puddles. May he rest in peace.”
A further post featured a video montage of some of Grandpa Pig’s best-loved moments, including informing his grandchildren Peppa and George that his tiny train Gertrude was most certainly not a toy, but a “mini-a-ture loco-motive”.
The accompanying caption read: “Thank you, David, for all the laughter, memories, and wisdom you have shared with us over the years. You will always hold a special place in the hearts of millions across the world and will be dearly missed.”
Hackney-born Graham also voiced the evil Daleks in Doctor Who, and brought to life the Thunderbirds puppet characters aquanaut Gordon Tracy, scientist Brains, and Lady Penelope’s driver, Aloysius “Nosey” Parker, in the series that saw a secret organisation trying to save the world.
He was also the voice of the Wise Old Elf in animated series Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom.
His in-person acting roles included Doctor Who, Coronation Street and Casualty.
TV producer Jamie Anderson, son of Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson, said in a statement he was “very sad to confirm that David has passed away at the grand old age of 99”.
We’re incredibly sad to confirm the passing of the legendary David Graham. The voice Parker, Gordon Tracy, Brains and so many more. David was always a wonderful friend to us here at Anderson Entertainment. We will miss you dearly, David. Our thoughts are with David’s friends and… pic.twitter.com/DB4HTawHiU
— Gerry Anderson (@GerryAndersonTV) September 20, 2024
He added: “Just a few weeks ago, I was with 2,000 Anderson fans at a Gerry Anderson concert in Birmingham where we sang him happy birthday – such a joyous occasion.
“And now, just a few weeks later, he’s left us. David was always kind and generous with his time and his talent. And what a talent.
“From the Daleks to Grandpa Pig and numerous voices for Anderson shows including Brains, Gordon Tracy and the iconic Parker. He will be sorely missed.”
