The chat controller... millions talk like me because of Thomas, says Ringo
SIR Ringo Starr says he inspired a global increase in Scouse accents – after millions of children heard him narrate Thomas The Tank Engine.
The Beatles drummer, 79, claims his voice has been mimicked by people all over the world, who grew up listening to him on the beloved TV series.
Ringo even said he meets fans of the show, now in their 20s, 30s and 40s, who boast a faux Liverpool accent.
He said: “People have held all these kids up to me saying that he or she loves Thomas. And my plan was when we first started in England, when I just narrated the stories, I thought all these kids would grow up talking like that, saying, ‘Alright, what is for dinner?’
“I thought they would all have a Liverpool accent. And some of them did, according to their parents.”
Ringo was the first narrator of the Thomas And Friends television programme, from 1984 to 1986 for the British broadcast, and from 1989 to 1990 in the US.
The show remains one of the most successful children’s franchises in history, with a huge line of merchandising and worldwide syndication.
But Ringo’s first love will always be his music, having spent more than six decades as a drummer.
He recently recalled: “My mother always said, ‘Son, you’re always at your happiest when you’re playing your drums.’ It’s a lot of joy, when I play, in my heart.”
As well as The Beatles and Thomas, Ringo has starred in a host of movies and is also an avid photographer, even having a photo book published.
He admitted most of his snaps were taken with an iPhone.
He said: “I pull the iPhone out and I start shooting.”