After widow’s plea, original voice of ‘Mind the Gap’ returns to London Underground

Oswald Laurence recorded the iconic "Mind the gap" announcement for the London Underground 40 years ago. Every day, his voice warned passengers on the northbound Northern Line to be careful as they boarded the train.

Over time, as PA systems were upgraded, Laurence's voice was phased out until only Embankment station used it.

The British theatre actor passed away in 2001 at the age of 80.

Laurence's widow, Dr. Margaret McCollum, would often visit the station just to hear his voice.

According to BBC News, McCollum was devastated when "he wasn't there" in November.

"Since he died I would sit and wait for the next train until I heard his voice," McCollum told BBC News. "On 1 November he wasn't there. I was just stunned when Oswald wasn't there anymore. I inquired and I was told there was a new digital system and they could not get his voice on it."

When Transport for London officials heard about McCollum's grief, they gave her a copy of the recording — and decided to restore Laurence's voiceover at Embankment station.

"Transport for London were approached by the widow of Oswald Laurence to see whether she could get a copy of the iconic 'mind the gap' announcement her husband made over 40 years ago," London Underground director Nigel Holness said. "We were very touched by her story, so staff tracked down the recording and not only were they able to get a copy of the announcement on CD for her to keep but are also working to restore the announcement at Embankment station."

McCollum told the Associated Press that she was overwhelmed by the media attention and public support her request to hear her husband's voice again received.

"I'm very pleased in Oswald's memory that people are interested," she said. "He was a great London transport user all his life. He would be amused and touched and delighted to know he's back where he belonged."