Disney Channel UK has announced the guest stars taking special “spots” on season 1 episodes of the brand-new animated series 101 Dalmatian Street, which will launch early next year: Singer Paloma Faith, award-winning actress Miriam Margolyes, comedian/rapper/actor Ben Bailey Smith, actress/comedian Tameka Empson, and actress Bethan Wright.
“I’m voicing a poodle who is dark, intense has tons of attitude. She is pretty much the coolest pup in Camden Town and loves taking centre stage when drama happens. As you can imagine Portia is hugely entertaining to voice and just one of many wonderful and colourful characters that are part of this incredible new series.” — Paloma Faith.
“Bringing the character of Bessie the Cornish Cow to life was great fun. Bessie appears to be sweet, simple and a harmless local – but turns out she’s smarter than she seemed, and devious too. I am very much looking forward to seeing how London and the UK’s seaside towns are illustrated. The series is bursting with original characters and engaging stories and I am very happy to be part of this animated show.” — Miriam Margolyes.
“I get to play two characters, a cheeky cockney trickster called Sid Squirrel, who is obsessed with nuts and Spencer Sausage Dog a snarky, snooty side-kick to Portia Poodle. They are so different from each other and from myself – it’s been incredibly fun getting into character. I am thrilled to be part of this brand new Disney Channel animated series and look forward to seeing the audience’s response to this new take on a beloved Disney classic.” — Ben Bailey Smith.
Ahead of the series premiere in Spring 2019, a special episode will debut in December to introduce audiences to the characters and their world. The 2D series is an extension of Walt Disney’s 1961 classic 101 Dalmatians, based on the 1956 novel by Dodie Smith. Disney has commissioned 10 x 2’ shorts, 40 x 11’ episodes and 5 x 22’ specials.
Aimed at girls and boys, the new series has been reimagined for the 21st Century and is set in modern day London in the borough of Camden. The series follows the adventures of eldest siblings Dylan and Dolly — voiced by Josh Brener (Silicon Valley, Star Wars Resistance) and Michaela Dietz (Steven Universe, Barney & Friends) — their parents Doug (Rhashan Stone) and Delilah (Ella Kenion), and 97 younger puppies, whose names also begin with “D,” in an epic comedy about family life, multiplied one hundred and one.
“This series is a fast and furry family comedy about a family of dogs living in a human house in Camden Town, London, with great characters and top notch storytelling our audiences have come to expect from Disney Channel’s animated series,” said Orion Ross, VP Content – Animation, Digital & Acquisitions, Disney Channels EMEA. “We’re honored to reimagine a Disney classic, creating something truly new, and working with exceptional global talent to make it happen. I’m particularly pleased that the creative heart is based here in London, where the series takes place, with Passion Animation Studios. We’re excited to introduce our audience to not only our new cast of 101 Dalmatians but also the diverse array of local characters who each bring unique and entertaining personalities to 101 Dalmatian Street.”
The cast list features a whopping 43 performers covering 101 speaking roles, including celebrated U.K. talents such as Stephen Mangan as Doctor Dave, Lauren Donzis as as Destiny and Déjà vu, Abigail Zoe Lewis as Dallas, Akiya Henry as Da Vinci and Roxy, Aimée-Ffion Edwards as Arabella and Big Fee, Joshua LeClair as Hunter, as well as a number of apt young actors voicing the little puppies, including Nefeli Karakosta as Dizzy, Florrie Wilkinson as Dee Dee, and Bert Davis as Diesel.
London-based Oscar and BAFTA-winning Passion Animation Studios employed an international crew of more than 50 artists and serve as lead producers, with Atomic Cartoons (Vancouver) providing animation services. 101 Dalmatian Street was developed by Disney’s U.K.-based original animation team with Gigglebug Entertainment (Helsinki), which provided concept development and are creating additional short-form and digital content.
The series is written by Maria O’Loughlin and directed by Miklos Weigert, with Cara Speller as executive producer.
