PRESTON'S creative genius Nick Park topped the TV ratings with his latest blockbuster A Close Shave - and left TV stars Cliff Richard and Michael Ball trailing behind.
The double Oscar winner raked in a mammoth 10.62 million viewers for the Christmas Eve slot, BBC2's biggest audience of 1995.
The 30-minute sheep rustling comedy featured Nick's faithful Plasticine pals Wallace and Gromit and new characters Wendolene and Preston the dog, who was fondly named after Nick's home town.
His production company Aardman Animation's said they expected A Close Shave to have viewers tuning in but to top the TV ratings was a bonus. Spokesman Arthur Sheriff said: "Nick was surprised at the results to say the least, but absolutely thrilled. It was a huge success"
Nick, whose parents Roger and Celia live in Walmer Bridge, is taking a well earned rest in Switzerland before starting work on his full length Hollywood movie which is expected to take at least two years to complete.
The film will feature a completely new set of characters. But Wallace and Gromit fans needn't worry. They are only taking a short break from the limelight until his film is completed.
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