Thunderbirds are go - again

<i>Thunderbirds are Go!</i> is due to hit television screens next year.

New images from the New Zealand-made animated revival of the classic 1960s sci-fi show Thunderbirds have been revealed.

The cult show is set to appeal to a new generation, with a 21st-century version making a return to the small screen in time for the show's 50th anniversary next September.

The remake is a co-production between ITV Studios and Pukeko Pictures in association with Weta Workshop, which did the design work on rocket Thunderbird 1 and the other Thunderbirds.

Pukeko is a children's television company set up by Weta Workshop boss Sir Richard Taylor, his partner Tania Rodger and writer Martin Baynton. Its previous productions have included The WotWots and Jane and the Dragon.

Unlike the original Thunderbirds, which featured puppet characters using Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's "Supermarionation" techniques, the new Thunderbirds series will use CGI animation and live-action model sets.

Among those voicing the characters are Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike as Lady Penelope, David Graham, the original voice of Parker, and Game of Thrones star Thomas Brodie-Sangster voicing John, one of the five Tracy brothers who make up the team at International Rescue

Thunderbirds are Go! is due to hit television screens next year.

Executive producer Giles Ridge said that making the new show was like "handling the family silver".

"We, like many people, are fans of the original series, so that adds its own kind of pressure.

"I'm delighted to say that when we've shown it to people, it has raised a few eyebrows. It's a long process."

Thunderbirds was last revived in 2004 with a live action children's movie which bombed at the box office.