Charles Martinet to step down as voice of Nintendo’s Mario after 27 years

Charles Martinet is becoming an ambassador for Nintendo. (Stephen Kelly/PA)

The voice of Nintendo’s Mario character for 27 years is to “step back” from the role, the game company has announced.

Charles Martinet was the original voice of the Italian plumber, according to the Japanese video game giant, which said his acting stretches back to 1996 instalment Super Mario 64.