Gromit Unleashed 3 Sculpture 'Rooster Booster' on The One Show
Gromit Unleashed 3 Wallace sculpture ‘Rooster Booster’ was one of the stars of the show’s One Big Thank You. Designed by Aardman founder and creator of Chicken Run, Peter Lord, both delightful chaps were part of a carefully planned surprise for admirable young fundraiser James.
The One Show’s film team were given exclusive behind the scenes access to the top secret Gromit Unleashed 3 painting space, where they devised a cunning plan for their special thank you. With the help of Aardman, they would surprise an unsuspecting James next to Peter Lord’s sculpture.
Our top secret painting space. Somewhere in Bristol.
Before James’ visit, artist Rachel Bennet was busy bringing the plucky, free-range sculpture to life at Aardman’s incredible studios, while working on a plan worthy of Chicken Run heroes Rocky and Ginger. How could they best surprise someone taking part in the Gromit Unleashed trail and taking a seat next to ‘Rooster Booster’? It was time to bring a little more life to this Wallace...
Artist Rachel Bennet and an Aardman team member are putting the finer touches to 'Rooster Booster' and his corn feed teacup.
But not before a little fanfare! Peter Lord' and ‘Rooster Booster’ joined some of the other stars of the show at Bristol’s historic harbourside. The first Gromit Unleashed 3 sculptures were pulled by a steam locomotive into the city centre, with the creator of Wallace & Gromit, Nick Park, at the controls.
‘Rooster Booster’ and his pals were cheered by crowds at the M Shed, ready to be unleashed across Bristol and beyond. He didn’t have far to travel as it would find its trail home just outside its sponsor, Hargreaves Lansdown’s offices on the other side of the harbour.
Peter Lord and 'Rooster Booster' on the steam train and Nick Park driving the train.
Next to be recruited into this plot was actor Ben Whitehead, the voice of Wallace in the famous duo’s latest adventure, Vengeance Most Fowl.
Ben kindly agreed to be part of the action and unbeknownst to James, stayed carefully tucked out of sight on the day of their trail adventures. As James and his mum settled in to enjoy a well-earned rest and get that all-important selfie with ‘Rooster Booster’, a familiar voice was heard!
On behalf of the One Show, Ben gave a One Big Thank You to a young community hero. James even received a classic Gromit Unleashed figurine signed by none other than Wallace & Gromit creator Nick Park!
Fundraiser James with Ben Whitehead, the voice of Wallace and 'Rooster Booster'.
We loved being part of this epic surprise and think ‘Rooster Booster’ enjoyed being one of the leading actors, too. Thank you to everyone involved for making it possible and thank you to James for being a “top lad!” in all your outstanding fundraising.