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'Peppa Pig' Voice Harley Bird Has Quit After Over A Decade

'Peppa Pig' Voice Harley Bird Has Quit After Over A Decade

Harley Bird said it's time to move on and 'start a new chapter'

Joanna Freedman

Joanna Freedman

Peppa Pig star Harley Bird has announced she is quitting the TV show.

The 18-year-old has voiced the children's cartoon character since the age of five, and helped form the identity of Peppa Pig as we know her.

But after over a decade in the role, she has decided it is finally time to move on and "start another chapter," in her life.

In an official statement, Harley - who is currently finishing her A levels - said: "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.

"The people that work on Peppa Pig have become like a family to me and they've given me some unforgettable memories".

Peppa Pig actress Harley Bird has quit (
PA)

Harley won a Bafta for her role as Peppa in 2011 and also famously sung the songs on the recent Peppa Pig My First Album release.

She will now be replaced by nine-year-old Amelie Bea Smith - the fourth actress to take on the infamous voice of the cartoon pig.

Amelie is no stranger to the world of acting, appearing in multiple episodes of EastEnders in 2018 and 2019.

She is set to make her voiceover debut on Valentine's Day, and will continue on to voice Peppa after that.

"I wish Amelie the best of luck in the role and am looking forward to starting the next chapter in my life," Harley said.

Peppa Pig has hired a new actress Amelie Bea Smith (
PA/IMDB)

While Peppa Pig co-creators Neville Astley and Mark Baker - from animation studio Astley Baker Davies - added: "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 was the first child to voice Peppa Pig back in 2004, when the series debuted.

After her, Cecily Bloom voiced the character for the second series, in 2006.

Harley Bird took over in 2007 from the third series.

You'll be missed, Harley!

Featured Image Credit: Astley Baker Davies

Topics: TV News, TV Entertainment