Wallace and Gromit are ’emotional’ without Peter Salles, says Nick Park.

If you asked TV viewers to name a favorite double act, chances are the two stars of Vengeance Most Foul would top the list.

It’s the first major Wallace & Gromit appearance in over a decade, and the first film not to feature the voice of Peter Sales as the cheese-loving inventor.

“It’s been quite emotional. [doing this production] Because we lost Peter, he was a real, unique voice,” says Nick Park of Salles, who died in 2017 at the age of 96.

“So it’s very difficult for anyone to step into his shoes. But we’re blessed with a young actor who we’ve known for years who can do a great impersonation of Wallace.

“He’s stepped in very graciously, and very well. It’s hard to separate them.”

Take a Bow, Ben Whitehead – The 47-year-old actor and voice artist says he is proud to play the role. But also admits to feeling a degree of pressure.

“Too much pressure!” He tells the BBC.

“Because it’s a very popular character. I got to work with Peter [Sallis] A couple of times for [2005’s] The Curse of the Were Rabbit Movie.

“So yeah, there’s a lot of pressure with that. And I’m very grateful to Aardman for giving me so much time to create the character.

“You’ve got to ‘hmm’ and ‘hee-hee’,” he continues – performing some Wallace-isms not indistinguishable from Peter Sallies’ Yorkshire tones.

“Definitely a ‘thing’ like the length of the vowels!”

Fans have been clamoring for more from the Plastin duo for years. So why now?

“Whenever we’ve had conversations around the world, the last question is always, ‘When’s the next Wallace and Gromit movie?'” explains Park. The burning house came with the idea for years.”

The idea was what if Wallace created a pre-programmed, voice-controlled smart gnome.

Enter Norbot, but of course regular Wallace & Gromit viewers won’t be surprised to learn that the inventor’s well-intentioned idea, as usual, leads to disaster.

That’s not the only familiar element to appear in this latest story.

The new adventure also features an old villain, criminal mastermind Feathers McGrath, a chicken-impersonating penguin defeated by Wallace and Gromit – mostly Gromit – in 1993’s The Wrong Trousers.

“Whenever we’re out and about talking about the future of Wallace & Gromit, the most asked question is, ‘When are Feathers coming back?'” says Merlin Crossingham, who along with Nick Park Vengeance directs Most Foul.

“Everyone loves a villain. It is often said that your film is only as good as its villain. [so it] It seemed like a perfect opportunity to bring the wings back to this story.”

Wallace and Gromit were first introduced to audiences with 1989’s A Grand Day Out. Since then their adventures have included everything from clothing malfunctions to mysterious rabbits.

“I think there are many aspects to Wallace and Gromit’s relationship,” Crossingham says.

“They’re best friends. They’re kind of partners in crime, they’re human and dog. And hopefully everyone young and old can relate to them in the movies, their stories and their relationships.

“I really think it’s the kinship, not just the simplicity of their lifestyle that sparks the obsession.

“But everyone in the stories connects with them on some level.

“And I think what Nick has created, starting with a grand day out, has really struck a chord with people.”

The last time there was a new Wallace & Gromit adventure on Christmas Day was in 2008 with A Matter of Loaf and Death. It was the most watched show of the day, with over 16 million viewers.

It was also the most watched show of the entire year.

While it’s still possible he could repeat the feat, it’s up against some very stiff competition.

“Bring it on, Gavin and Stacey!” Recognizing the huge popularity of Jokes Crossingham, an Essex and Barry-based comedy, which also ends on Christmas Day.

But while Gavin and Stacey are coming to their conclusion, it’s definitely not the end for Wallace and Gromit.

“[It’s] Definitely not the end, says Nick Park. “I think he still has a lot of bounce in his bungee.

“We’ll keep going. There are always ideas worth kicking.”

“Give us a minute though,” Merlin interjected. “They take a while to make!”

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance is on BBC One on Christmas Day at 18.10.