An astonishing find has recently been unveiled in a British garden shed – lost footage from the iconic TV series Thunderbirds has been discovered and is currently undergoing restoration for public viewing next year. The remarkable discovery was made when the family of a deceased former show editor stumbled upon a trove of 22 old film cans in Buckinghamshire. These cans, rusty and cracked, are now being meticulously restored and digitized, revealing not only original material but also extended scenes and a never-before-seen conclusion to an episode.

The restoration efforts, spearheaded by Stephen La Rivière of Century 21 Films, have been a painstaking process, with weeks dedicated to carefully salvaging the footage bit by bit. La Rivière described the thrill of uncovering the lost scenes, highlighting the surprise element in each newly scanned segment.

Thunderbirds, a brainchild of the visionary duo Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, first graced TV screens in 1965. The series followed the adventures of International Rescue, a covert organization established by an American tycoon and his five sons to undertake daring rescue missions across the globe. Utilizing a groundbreaking technique known as “supermarionation,” the Andersons brought the characters to life through puppets controlled by wires and basic electronics for synchronized mouth movements. This innovative method set the stage for other beloved shows like Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons, Fireball XL5, Sting Ray, and Joe 90.

Despite its initial success, Thunderbirds faced setbacks in its transition to the big screen, with the 1960s movie adaptations Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6 failing to capture the essence of the original series. The 2004 remake further disappointed fans. However, the revival of interest in Thunderbirds during the 1990s reignited enthusiasm for the show, paving the way for a new generation of followers.

The recovered footage, set to be released as part of the show’s upcoming 60th anniversary celebrations, promises fans a nostalgic journey back in time. Regrettably, the unveiling of this treasure trove comes too late for David Graham, the voice behind four iconic Thunderbirds characters, who recently passed away at the age of 99. His legacy transcends Thunderbirds, as he continued to enchant audiences as Grandpa Pig in the popular children’s program Peppa Pig.

The unearthing of this lost Thunderbirds footage not only adds a new chapter to the show’s rich history but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of a series that captured the imaginations of viewers worldwide. As fans eagerly await the release of this unseen material, the discovery stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of Thunderbirds and its lasting impact on popular culture.