Thunderbirds returns to our screens: The facts

The Creator of the TV show 'Thunderbirds' Gerry Anderson with his most famous puppets, Lady Penelope and Parker Credit: Yui Mok/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Thunderbirds returns to our screens in spring after ITV commissioned a new 26-part series.

The facts:

  • The first episode aired on September 30 1965.

  • This year is also the 50th anniversary of Thunderbirds.

  • The classic children's show premiered in the Midlands on ATV in 1965.

  • Gerry Anderson and Sylvia Anderson were the programme creators.

  • The idea for Thunderbirds came from the 1963 mining disaster in Germany, when nearly half of the trapped crew were saved.

  • The voiceovers come from many nationalities.

  • Three films have been made from the main series.

Gerry Anderson, creator of the fictional characters Thunderbirds Credit: Haydn West/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The annual convention for worldwide fans of the man who created cult hits such as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlett, is going to be held in Leicester.

Andercon, in honour of Gerry Anderson MBE, will arrive in the city in June.