Fresh air for much-loved Snowman

THE much-loved fixture of Christmas television, The Snowman, is to be given a remake.

After almost 30 years, Channel 4 is create a “fresh, not identical” version of the Raymond Briggs classic, using traditional techniques and many of the original creative team.

Expected to be broadcast in November next year, among the elements to be introduced will be a new young boy and an extra character in the form of a snow dog.

Their journey across the UK will see them flying over international landmarks such as the London Eye. And rather than attending a Snowman’s party in a glade, the pair will land at a ski resort.

However, the downbeat ending remains in place, and the Snowman melts away in the sun.

The biggest change, though, is that the classic theme song, Walking in the Air, is being replaced.

It was originally sung by the St Paul’s chorister Peter Auty, but was covered a few years later by Aled Jones, and became a top 10 hit.

Camilla Deakin, whose London-based animation company, Lupus Films, is making The Snowman 2, said: “The music is still undecided. There is a lot of discussion. It will be up-to-date without being too aggressively so. We want to make sure this film is new and fresh, not identical.”

Briggs is reported as saying that he had little involvement with the £2 million remake but has given it his approval.