Peppa Pig actress Harley Bird has quit voicing the cartoon pig after 13 years, and is set to be replaced by EastEnders actress Amelie Bea Smith.
Harley has appeared in the show since she was five years old, and has appeared in 185 episode.
The show also earned her a BAFTA in 2011.
From Feb 14, she will be replaced by Amelie, who played Daisy, the foster daughter of Mariam and Arshad Ahmed, before she was adopted.
Harley spoke about her decision, saying: “Becoming the voice of Peppa Pig at the age of five was the start of an incredible journey, and I’ll never forget my time on the show.
Harley Bird has announced she has quit the show after 13 years (Image: Supplied by WENN)
“The people that work on Peppa Pig have become like a family to me and they’ve given me some unforgettable memories.
“I wish Amelie the best of luck in the role and am looking forward to starting the next chapter in my life.”
Lily Snowden-Fine was the first girl to voice Peppa Pig in 2004, before being replaced by Cecily Bloom, who did the second series in 2006.
Harley took over from 2007 from the third series.
Harley is being replaced by EastEnders actress Amelie Bea Smith (Image: PA)
Amelie’s agent said about her new casting: “Amelie has been a huge fan of the show since she was little, so voicing the title role is like a dream come true and she’s thrilled to become part of the voice cast.”
Peppa Pig co-creators Neville Astley and Mark Baker, from animation studio Astley Baker Davies, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Amelie to the Peppa Pig voice cast and confident that she will continue the strong legacy of the previous Peppa voice actors.
“Lily Snowden-Fine defined the role when she first voiced the character in series one at age five.
Peppa Pig won Harley Bird a BAFTA and is available in 180 countries (Image: BBC)
“Lily passed the baton to Cecily Bloom for series two before handing the reins to Harley Bird.
“As our longest-standing Peppa, Harley’s award-winning contribution to the show over the past 13 years has been tremendous, making her a key part of the success of Peppa Pig.”
Peppa Pig is now available in more than 180 territories and it is broadcast in more than 40 languages.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
