Badger

There was a rustle behind them, proceeding from a hedge wherein last year's leaves still clung thick, and a stripy head, with high shoulders behind it, peered forth on them.

`Come on, old Badger!' shouted the Rat.

The Badger trotted forward a pace or two; then grunted, `H'm! Company,' and turned his back and disappeared from view.

`That's just the sort of fellow he is!' observed the disappointed Rat. `Simply hates Society!

Suffolk-born Bob Hoskins has been an actor for more than 30 years. His first major role was in 1978's BBC miniseries Pennies From Heaven, in which he played Arthur, a sheet music salesman. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 1987 for his role in Mona Lisa; other noteworthy films have included Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Long Good Friday and Mrs. Henderson Presents.

Hoskins' work on television has included Masterpiece Theatre's David Copperfield, in which he played Mr. Micawber opposite The Wind in the Willows co-star Imelda Staunton. He has also worked extensively on the stage.