The well-loved British children's programme, Postman Pat, is being turned into a new movie that will bring the stop motion techniques employed in the series into the 21st century with 3D animation. The show, which followed the routine of Greendale's friendliest postman, Pat Clifton, and his "black and white cat" Jess, will receive a new incarnation this year with Postman Pat: The Movie.

Postman Pat movie
'Postman Pat: The Movie' Will See The Iconic Postie Juggle His Day Job With New-Found Fame.

For any Briton who grew up in the eighties or nineties, the cherished Postman Pat holds many fond memories. Having first screened on BBC1 in 1981, the original programme ran for nine series and 141 episodes yet retained its universally-recognised English kitsch and iconic design. Ken Barrie originally voiced Pat but reportedly left the role when he became dissatisfied with the show's modern CGI makeover.

In the upcoming movie, which is set for release in May, The Green Wing's Stephen Mangan will voice Pat whilst Jim Broadbent, Rupert Grint, David Tennant, and Greg Ellis have been cast in supporting roles. Former Westlife singer Ronan Keating will provide Pat's singing voice in the movie that will follow the beloved children's character's rise to fame after entering a TV talent show competition.

Watch the Postman Pat movie trailer:

The Irish singer will also play the role of a contestant who competes against the Postman to try to win a coveted prize. Keating spoke with nostalgia towards his new role: "It's been a true honour to help bring Postman Pat's singing voice to life," he said, adding "I grew up watching Pat and all the great characters in Greendale so I can't wait to take my kids along to see them all on the big screen," via Metro.

Postman PatPostman Pat's Singing Voice Will Be Provided By Ronan Keating

When Mangan was first placed in the titular role in 2011, he was similarly excited. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be playing the world's best-known postman in his big-screen debut," he said, via The Guardian. "However, when I excitedly told my 3-year-old son that I was going to be Postman Pat, he said: 'No you're not, dad, don't be silly.'"

Postman Pat: The Movie will be released on the 23th May 2014.