Alexander Armstrong and Kevin Eldon star in new Danger Mouse
Alexander Armstrong has been named as the new star of Danger Mouse.
The comedian will voice the iconic character in a new version of the cartoon show that is being made for CBBC. He takes over from David Jason, who played the secret agent in the original 1981 to 1992 ITV series.
The BBC confirmed in a statement: "He's voiced a horse, a king and an alien supercomputer but now actor, comedian and gameshow host Alexander Armstrong takes on his biggest vocal challenge to date as the debonair secret agent Danger Mouse in the eagerly awaited new series of animated adventures due to air on CBBC in 2015."
The sketch show and Pointless star will be joined in the recording booth by Kevin Eldon, who will "channel his inner hamster" to voice Danger Mouse's trusty sidekick Penfold, originally played by comedy star Terry Scott.
Additionally, comic actor and Come Dine With Me voiceover man Dave Lamb will "bring his uniquely sardonic wit to the series" in the role of 'The Narrator'.
The show will also star the vocal talents of Shauna MacDonald (Filth), who will take on the new character Professor Squawkencluck, a formal British lab scientist described as "quintessential unflappable stiff", who is a niece of the original professor. Morwenna Banks will provide ensemble voice support.
The BBC says: "Licensed to thrill a whole new generation of fans, this re-imagined new series follows the misadventures of the heroic, small, but perfectly formed white rodent Danger Mouse who returns in style to save a world teetering on the edge of disaster. Bursting with boundless confidence the show's hero is still as cool as ever as he attempts to overthrow a host of villainous enemies with the help of hapless hamster Penfold."
Commenting on his new role as the world's smallest secret agent, Alexander Armstrong says: "As a lifelong fan of Danger Mouse I was ecstatic just to know that the show was coming back. To be actually involved with the reboot and to be taking DM out to a whole new generation is about as close to a dream job as you could wish for."
Kevin Eldon, discussing voicing Penfold, says: "I'm absolutely delighted to be the new voice of Danger Mouse's trusty sidekick Penfold. It's a role and not a mole, Penfold's not a mole, he's a hamster that I'm going to really enjoy. When I am recording the episodes, I'll be making sure that at all times my eyebrows are at least three inches above my head."
Dave Lamb adds: "It is a great honour to be stepping into one of David Jason's shoes. Danger Mouse's narrator is an iconic role and I can't wait to get started."
CBBC boss Cheryl Taylor comments: "We're all genuinely bowled over to have Kevin and Alexander on board as Penfold and the mighty DM himself. They are both funny and fabulously talented performers and along with well-loved CBBC favourite, Dave Lamb, will ensure that the series' considerable comedy credentials are bestowed on a new generation of fans."
Executive Producer Bob Higgins says: "Danger Mouse is one of the most popular children's TV characters ever to grace television screens and we have a big responsibility to carry on the tradition and recreate the comedy magic of the original series. Our new vocal cast has the perfect blend of talent, charm and tongue-in-cheek humour to bring these iconic and much-loved characters to life."
The 52 new episodes - at 11 minutes long each - will be shown on CBBC and distributed around the world in 2015.
Here is the trailer: