Looks like Thomas the Tank Engine is getting a serious makeover

The changes will begin in 2018.

A huge shake-up of Thomas the Tank Engine will see two of the male engines turfed out, as two female characters are introduced.

The Steam Team will say farewell to Henry and Edward, before being joined by Rebecca and Nia, the first African engine that was developed with some help from the United Nations.

The new engines will be joining Emily, as well as the boys Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon.

The traditional of a Liverpudlian narration, which first began with Ringo Starr, will disappear in the shake-up, as well as the theme tune with the roll-call of engine names.

Image via Mattel

Instead, Thomas will be breaking the fourth wall and narrating the series himself.

And the biggest change of all will see Thomas leaving his home on the Island of Sodar to head for adventures across the globe.

American toy giant Mattel made the changes to the beloved show after collaborating with the United Nations to meet the organisation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The overhaul, which will begin in 2018, will be the most significant transformation in the TV version since it was first broadcast in 1984.

Kate Schlomann, a vice president of branding at Mattel, said:

"It's such a huge shift.

"We want to make sure we're here another 70 years."

Images via Mattel.