Ant and Dec's Early Animation Role Rediscovered in Manchester Exhibition
In an exclusive revelation, the forgotten television role of presenting duo Ant and Dec has been uncovered within a new exhibition showcasing the archives of Cosgrove Hall Films. The exhibition, now open in Manchester, features beloved characters such as Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Noddy, Toad of Toad Hall, and Postman Pat, but it also highlights a surprising connection to the famous TV presenters.
A Golden Age of British Animation on Display
From a secret agent mouse to a vegetarian vampire duck and a car-obsessed toad, Cosgrove Hall was at the forefront of a golden era in British animation. The studio's archive, which includes models, puppets, animation cells, storyboards, and scripts, is being displayed for the first time, allowing TV nostalgia enthusiasts to reconnect with their favourite childhood characters.
Organisers report that not only are parents eager to revisit these iconic figures, but today's youngsters are equally captivated by the puppets and animations on show. This enduring appeal comes as no surprise to Bridget Appleby, a founding member of the company that evolved into Cosgrove Hall Films.
Bridget Appleby's Reflections on Timeless Entertainment
Now 80 years old, Bridget, who worked at the studio for over three decades, shares her insights. "Children from any era enjoy fantastical, magical, and out-of-the-ordinary entertainment—and that's precisely what Cosgrove Hall provided," she says. "It's very peculiar to think that people are still thinking about the stuff we made all those years ago, but also wonderful that today's youngsters are seeing these iconic characters and engaging with them."
She adds, "I suppose we offered a gentler, more innocent type of fun, something perhaps a bit more wholesome. But even here, in 2026, I'd say everyone needs a motor car mad toad and a one-eyed heroic mouse in their lives."
The Rescue and Revival of a Cherished Archive
The archive was nearly discarded after years in storage following the studio's closure in 2011. The salvage process began in 2016 when it was discovered gathering dust in a forgotten storage room. Now under the custodianship of Trafford Council, the exhibition at Sale Library has been a ten-year labour of love for archivist Rosy Whittemore.
"The response has been phenomenal," Rosy explains. "These characters are as fresh as ever. Chorlton and The Wheelies, for instance, is such a bizarre, colourful world, and kids today respond to that just as their parents did. We hear a lot about online and digital entertainment, but this animation, these stories, are where a lot of that originated."
Ant and Dec's Professional Contribution to Animation
Bridget recalls the "good fun" she had working alongside Ant and Dec, who voiced characters in Engie Benjy, a stop-motion feature centred on a blue-haired 'engine doctor'. She praises their professionalism, stating, "Ant and Dec were very, very professional—they were great." This role adds a new layer to the presenters' extensive careers, showcasing their early involvement in animation.
Iconic Voices and Lasting Legacy
The studio commissioned major TV names to voice its characters, including David Jason as Danger Mouse and Terry Scott as Penfold. At its peak in 1983, Danger Mouse attracted 21 million viewers. Other contributors included Peter Sallis, Michael Hordern, Beryl Reid, Windsor Davies, and Una Stubbs.
Bridget's career spanned over three decades, during which she worked as an illustrator, sculptor, producer, and director on shows like Wind in the Willows and Noddy. She later created Cloudbabies, a pre-school project that gained international success with hundreds of millions of views on YouTube.
Inspiring Future Generations of Animators
Rosy hopes the exhibition will inspire the next generation of animators. "People are still using stop motion animation today," she says. "That's a huge testament to the quality of what Cosgrove Hall produced. Even much of what you see with online animation uses the same skills—the studio has left a huge legacy."
While it's challenging to choose a favourite character, Rosy admits a soft spot for Chorlton from Chorlton and the Wheelies due to his surreal nature. Notably, Noddy is absent from the exhibition because his condition is too fragile, but Rosy treats all puppets with special care, often apologising if she jolts them during archival work.
This exhibition not only celebrates a pivotal chapter in British television history but also uncovers the hidden roles of stars like Ant and Dec, reminding us of the enduring magic of animation.
