Joshua Jones | The Canal-Boat Classic from the Makers of Fireman Sam

A cheerful Romani man, a canal boat called The Delilah, and a dog named Fairport... sound familiar? 🚤🐕 Welcome back to Big Kids TV Podcast, where we unearth the retro shows that defined our childhoods. This time, we're diving into Joshua Jones – the short‑lived BBC stop‑motion classic from Bumper Films, the very same team behind Fireman Sam! First airing on S4C in Welsh in 1991, before being dubbed into English for BBC One in 1992, this charming series followed Joshua Jones – a cheerful Romani man who lives on his canal boat with his loyal dog Fairport. Together, they travel up and down the Clearwater Canal, delivering goods and helping out the folks at Biggott's Wharf. With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters – including Admiral Bapu Karia (a retired Indian naval officer), the get‑rich‑quick Wilton Cashmore, Hungarian farmer Joe Laski, and vet Daphne Peacock – the show had that same big community feel as Fireman Sam. Voices were provided by George Layton (who also narrated) and Barbara Flynn, with a catchy theme tune sung by Mal Pope. Sadly, Joshua Jones only lasted 12 episodes – overshadowed by another canal‑based show called Rosie and Jim. But for those of us who remember it, it's a true forgotten gem. Subscribe to us at ‪@BigKidsTVPodcast‬ for regular retro uploads. #JoshuaJones #90sKidsTV #BBC #StopMotion #BumperFilms #FiremanSam #BigKidsTV #Nostalgia #RetroTV #WelshTV #S4C