Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, otherwise known as the Big Yin, has become the new voice of satellite navigation, as he’s just teamed up with the TomTom.
Connolly joins a burgeoning line-up of celebrity voices that are available to use on the navigation solutions provider, such as John Cleese, Snoop Dogg, KITT, Burt Reynolds, Dennis Hopper, Kim Cattrall, Eddie Izzard, Sven Goran Eriksson and even Homer Simpson.
More than 40 million TomTom users can now download Connolly’s gravelly voice as their navigator, as he gives directions in that unmistakable Scottish lilt such as: “Turn around when possible. It is advisable to turn your entire car around. Do not just turn around inside the car”.
The Big Yin is in the zone
The Big Yin will also reassure you he’s no impersonator on the TomTom: “This really is Billy Connolly. It’s not the creepy guy you get on cheap birthday cards, with cracks such as: It’s my real voice. No swearing, no dirty bits, I’ll keep you safe.”
“You’ll take the high road and I’ll take the low road, and I’ll be in Scotland afore ye with my wee canny sat nav,” adds Connolly.
He’ll also give you a dig if you don’t follow his directions the first time around, with quips such as: “Make a U turn. None of this would have been necessary had you been listening a minute ago.”
Or, in more sardonic tones: “U turn ahead. I’ll be here when you get back.”
Billy Connolly can be downloaded for €9.95. Listen to some samples of his work here.
TomTom sat-nav devices guide drivers with audible, turn-by-turn instructions and 3D maps. TomTom’s Live Services include HD Traffic for real-time traffic information across borders in seven European countries, which is updated every three minutes.
The TomTom also offers five-day weather forecasts anywhere in Europe.
By Carmel Doyle
