Washington, Jan. 4 -- British writer, producer and director Britt Allcroft who is best known for 'Thomas & Friends' for television passed away at the age of 81 in Los Angeles.

According to Variety's report, Britt's death was confirmed by her daughter Holly Wright to the New York Times. She passed away on December 25, 2024.

Allcroft was responsible for bringing the Reverend Wilbert Awdry's books 'The Railway Series' to British TV with the children's show 'Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends' later re-titled to 'Thomas & Friends'.

Released in 1984, the series ran for 24 seasons through 2021, before it debuted on Netflix. The show also spawned multiple specials and movies, as well as popular toys and merchandise.

Director Brannon Carty who ...