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Thomas the Tank Engine is introducing "inclusive" gender-balanced, multicultural set of characters as part of a makeover.

The new series of the beloved children's show will see the little tank engine leave the island of Sodor behind to travel the world.

Now called Thomas And Friends: Big World! Big Adventures! , the new series also marks the first collaboration between a children's TV programme and the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals.

Changes to Thomas And Friends , which is the biggest relaunch the brand has had in its 73-year history, were unveiled at a premiere at Bafta's headquarters in London

Thomas And Friends will have new theme tune for the show, a faster-paced format, increased humour and music and fantasy elements and dream sequences.

For the first time in the series' history, Thomas will discover new countries and cultures by travelling to China, India and Australia.

The Steam Team, the core group of trains on the fictional island of Sodor, will now comprise of three male and three female characters.

Long-running favourites Percy, Gordon, James and Emily will be joined by Nia and Rebecca, along with Thomas.

The changes were made to represent the female viewership of the series, which is thought to be more than 40%, and send a strong message of gender equality to the young audience.

In addition to these, the series will feature new characters from around the world, including Ashima from India, Yong Bao from China and Shane from Australia.

New female characters, described by show bosses as "strong girl characters", include Isla, an Australian flying doctor plane, Noor Jehan, a royal express engine from India, Hong-Mei, a number one blue tank engine from China, and female railway controller Charubala, from India.

poll loading Is the Thomas the Tank Engine re-brand a good thing? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes, it needed more female characters No, it's PC gone mad!

Another first for the show will see Thomas talk directly to the audience to narrate it himself.

Ian McCue, senior producer at Thomas And Friends , said: "The show has undergone an evolution to remain relevant for the next generation of parents and children by opening up the world of Thomas And Friends so children can discover the world around them while being entertained.

"The changes and new additions of characters and geographies will make the show more entertaining, inclusive and global - whilst ensuring all the favourite characters and storylines that fans around the world love remain at the heart of the action."

Reverend Wilbert Awdry's granddaughter, Claire Chambers, welcomed the changes to the franchise, saying she thinks he would be "very happy" with them.

Thomas And Friends airs daily on Channel 5's Milkshake from today.