BBC is reporting that actor David Tennant—who was Doctor Who from 2005 to 2010—has voiced a new audio download version of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again. He was chosen for the role by the family of CCBB author Ian Fleming (who also created British superspy James Bond).
The sequel, by Frank Cottrell Boyce, was first published in print in October. The four hour, twenty-three minute file is now available from major audio booksellers.
Fleming’s niece, Lucy, said Tennant’s voice brought the story to life with a “wry humour and great characterisation.” She continued “We are thrilled that David agreed to read the audio book. He is such a talented actor and his voice brings Frank Cottrell Boyce’s story to life. Chitty could not have been in safer hands with him behind the wheel.”
The new story, which Tennant described as “very clever, slightly surreal and hugely readable”, follows the Tooting family, who fit an abandoned engine into their camper van only to find that it used to belong to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. They set out on an adventure to find the flying car’s lost bodywork.” The car itself is the only original character in the sequel, which is the first of three books that have been commissioned.