During his recent visit to the Island with brother Kerry and cousin Brent, he met some of the Corlett family, including Linda Strickett from Onchan, David Brew of Ballakinnag Farm, Smeale and Sandra Taubman of Onchan and their respective families.

Ian's grandfather, James Corlett, who came from The Dhowin on the Smeale Road in Andreas, was one of eight children.

Like many Manx people at the time Ian's grandfather emigrated to Winnipeg, Canada, moving to Burnaby in Vancouver in British Columbia.

His son Arthur, Ian's father, set up business with a music store.

Ian said of his visit to the Island: 'It is a long time since the last visit, but I hope to bring my wife and children over next year for a holiday.'

Ian is creator of the successful Canadian animated series Being Ian, which 'is loosely based on my life growing up as a young film buff and film maker in Burnaby', he said.

But Ian's first line of work was providing voice overs for commercials. This led to many parts in different cartoon series that were popular in Canada and the United States.

In 'What's with Andy' he played Andy Larkin; In 'Baby Looney Tunes' he
plays Baby Taz and Mr Highpants in 'Yakkity Yak'.

Ian then turned his hand to script writing. The series Being Ian took five years to complete.

Ian also wrote episodes of Disney's Rolie Polie Olie, winning a Gemini award in 1999 for best writing in a children's or youth programme.

He picks up ideas for his personalities as he travels.

'When I was in the Isle of Man I was fascinated by the range of dialects. Dialects and interesting voices are really interesting to me,' he said. 'Do you think that's a good enough excuse for a return 'business trip' to the TT Races next year? I just love motor racing. Perhaps it's in the Manx blood.

'When I'm writing new animation concepts, it can come from anywhere. A lot of inspiration comes from my kids and their friends. I've been ruminating on an animated concept, which would be based on Manx Fairy Tales, for quite some time. I love the title 'Manx Tales', but I still haven't cracked the content and story yet.

'Give me some time though.'

Ian and his two children are starring in a preschool series for Jim Henson Productions called Dinosaur Train.

'My son Philip is the star of the show – Buddy the Tyrannosaurus – and my daughter Claire co-stars as his sister Tiny,' said Ian.

'I do the voice of the conductor on the train.'

Dinosaur Train debuted on the PBS network in the USA in September.

Meanwhile, Ian has written an educational book E Is For Ethics, which is released in the USA and Canada today. It's a children's/parenting book designed for family discussion about ethics, values and morals.
He also hopes to get the book published in the UK.