Nick Park says Wallace & Gromit is ’emotional’ without Peter Sallis

If you asked TV viewers to name a favorite double act, chances are the two stars of Vengeance Most Fouled would be near the top of the list.

It is the first major appearance of Wallace and Gromit in over a decade, and the first film not to feature the voice of Peter Sallis as the cheese-loving inventor.

“It’s been quite emotional (doing this production) since we lost Peter, he was such an original, unique voice,” says Nick Park of Salis, whose 96 productions in 2017 Died at the age of one year.

“So it’s very difficult for anyone to step into his shoes. But we’ve been blessed with a young actor, who we’ve known for many years, who can do a fantastic imitation of Wallace.

“He’s very graciously stepped in, and he’s very nice. It’s hard to separate them.”

Take a bow, Ben Whitehead – the 47-year-old actor and voice artist says he’s honored to take on the role. But he also admits to feeling some degree of pressure.

“Extreme pressure!” he tells the BBC.

“Because it’s such a popular character. I got to work with Peter (Sallis) a number of times for (2005’s) The Curse of the Were-Rabbit film.

“So yes, there’s a lot of pressure. And I’m very grateful to Aardman for giving me so much time to create the character.

“You have to do the ‘hmm’ and the ‘hee-hee’,” he continues – demonstrating some Wallace-isms that sound indistinguishable from the Yorkshire tones of Peter Sallies.

“Definitely an extension of vowels like ‘cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese’8…

Fans have been asking for more from the Plasticine Duo for years. So why now?

Park explains, “Whenever we’ve talked around the world, the last question is always, ‘When’s the next Wallace & Gromit movie?’. “The last time we did it I just came home with that thought. Was for years.”

The idea was this – what if Wallace created a pre-programmed, voice-controlled smart gnome.

Enter Norbot, but surely regular viewers of Wallace & Gromit won’t be surprised to learn that the inventor’s well-intentioned idea, as usual, leads to disaster.

That’s not the only familiar element appearing in this latest story.

This new adventure also features an old villain, criminal mastermind Feathers McGrath, a chicken-impersonating-penguin who was defeated by Wallace and Gromit – mostly Gromit – in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.

Marilyn Crossingham, who directed Vengeance: Most Foul with Nick Park, says, “Whenever we’re out and talking about the future of Wallace & Gromit, the most asked question is ‘When will Feathers come back? ?”.

“Everyone loves a villain, it’s often said that your film is only as good as its villain, (so) this is a perfect opportunity to bring Feathers back for this story.”

Wallace and Gromit were first introduced to audiences with 1989’s A Grand Day Out. His adventures since then have included everything from bad clothes to mysterious rabbits.

“I think there are a lot of facets to Wallace and Gromit’s relationship,” says Crossingham.

“They’re best friends. They’re kind of partners in crime, they’re man and dog. And hopefully everyone young and old will feel connected to them in the movies, their stories and their relationships.

“I really think it’s the relativity, not just the simplicity of their lifestyle, that drives the madness.

“But somewhere in the stories, everyone connects with them on some level.

“And I think what Nick has created since the beginning of A Grand Day Out has really impressed people.”

The last time a new Wallace and Gromit adventure came on Christmas Day was in 2008 with A Matter of Loaf and Death. It was the most watched show of the day, with over 16 million viewers.

It was also the most watched show of the entire year.

While it’s still possible that it could repeat that feat, it faces some very stiff competition.

“Bring it on, Gavin and Stacey!” Crossingham Jokes, acknowledging the huge popularity of the Essex and Barrie-based comedy, also concludes on Christmas Day.

However, while Gavin and Stacey are reaching their own conclusions, it’s certainly not the last for Wallace and Gromit.

“(It’s) definitely not the end,” says Nick Park. “I think he still has a lot of bounce in his bungee.

“We’ll move forward. There are always ideas worth considering.”

“Give us a minute, though,” Merlin interjected. “They take a while to make!”

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Foul is on BBC One at 18.10 on Christmas Day.