Ash Ketchum English voice actor speaks out after 17 years of role ahead of Pokémon character’s ‘final chapter’

It’s going to be an emotional farewell to Ash and Pikachu (Picture: The Pokémon Company)

A quarter of a century after Ash Ketchum first embarked on his journey to becoming the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer, he’s set to make his final outing in the animated TV series.

The actor who’s voiced the character in English for the past 17 years has spoken out to express her gratitude for the ‘extraordinary privilege’ of playing the role, saying that he’ll ‘live forever in the hearts of many generations to come’.

In November this year, it was announced that Ash had finally become World Champion after 25 years alongside his beloved companion Pikachu, as shown in an episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series.

That means that there’s room for new budding talent to emerge, with Ash stepping aside to introduce new protagonists to the story.

In January 2023, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series will end by wrapping up Ash and Pikachu’s story once and for all, while also marking the return of several fan-favourite characters, including Brock, Misty, Gary and Team Rocket.

A new Pokémon series will then follow, featuring the debut of protagonists Liko and Roy, as well as starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly from the Paldea region, as seen in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet video games.

Sarah Natochenny, who’s voiced Ash in the English dub of Pokémon since 2006, wrote on Twitter: ‘It’s been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years.

‘No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he’ll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come. I’ll keep him present for all of us in every way I can.’

In response to a fan who thanked her for voicing Ash so well, the 35-year-old replied: ‘I grew up with Pokémon, and it’s been a part of my entire adulthood – so I’m just putting out what I’d want to see! So glad you enjoy it.’

Looking ahead to Ash’s departure from the TV series, a Twitter fan account expressed how emotional it will be to see Ash reunite with his Butterfree, claiming that the Pokémon is still wearing the yellow scarf given to them by Brock several years ago.

‘The ending of Pokemon Journeys.I’m gonna miss this series a lot especially now that we know Ash and Pikachu will be leaving the anime. It’s been a ride,’ someone else said.

Before Sarah took on the role of voicing Ash, the character was voiced in the English dub by Veronica Taylor from 1998 to 2006.

Veronica still maintains a strong connection with fans, meeting up with many around the world.

In July last year, she spoke to Metro.co.uk about Pokémon USA replacing the voice cast after season eight for ‘no reason’.

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‘They replaced us, Pokémon USA replaced us after the eighth season. None of us had the choice to go on with the show after that. I know all of us would have,’ she said.

The voice actor also added: ‘Pokémon has helped so many people through so many hard times, through so many good times, it’s been a way for people to find friends and really connect on many levels, so I’m very happy that it continues and I’m happy in my small part to still be a part of it.’

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