‘Reindeer’ loses British accent

As part of the latest British invasion of U.S. television, CBS has picked up the award-winning animated special “Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire,” but it will arrive on these shores missing much of its English accent.

British pop star Robbie Williams, who narrated the stop- action short that first aired in Britain in 1999, will be replaced, reportedly by James Woods. Williams is a huge star in Europe who recently signed a recording contract worth more than $100 million and clearly hopes to make an impact in the United States.

He’s not the only one bumped from the transatlantic trip. Irish comedian Ardal O’Hanlon is being replaced by Ben Stiller as the voice of Robbie, and Jane Horrocks (“Absolutely Fabulous”) will be replaced by Britney Spears as the voice of Donner. The cast won’t be entirely Americanized, though: Hugh Grant is substituting for Steve Coogan (“24 Hour Party People”) as Blitzen.

“Hooves of Fire” and a new sequel, “Robbie the Reindeer in Legend of the Lost Tribe,” will air on CBS on Dec. 13.

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Jonathan Taylor