This is either the best news in ages, or the worst thing imaginable. It all depends on if you found Rod Hull and his violent puppet Emu funny back in the 70s and 80s, where they once infamously attacked chat-show host Michael Parkinson, and regularly got 11 million viewers.
If not, move on... because, despite Rod Hull's death whilst trying to fix a television aerial, "the eponymous puppet with a penchant for pecking" is returning to CITV this October, in a brand new live-action comedy series.
Emu is essentially "Emu, the early years", with a youthful bird taking centre stage, with Rod's real-life son, Toby... playing a younger version of his own father!
Aimed at 6-11 year olds, the show has Toby and Emu sharing a flat, in shades of The Odd Couple and Laurel & Hardy. Unfortunately, the flat has a "no pets" policy, so Emu and Toby are constantly avoiding suspicious security guard Ken Cole, with the help of neighbours Charlie and Dani. Emu must also contend with sneaky Sophie, another neighbour who sees money-making opportunities with the anarchic bird.
A CITV source said: "Having worked with Rod Hull in the past it is a particular thrill and pleasure to be reacquainted with the extraordinary Emu. I am delighted to be working with Toby and bringing Emu to a brand new audience. Chat show hosts be warned -- the beak is back! With loads of slapstick laughs and crazy comedy potential, Emu is the perfect mix of anarchy, pecking, nostalgia… and a little more pecking!"
If not, move on... because, despite Rod Hull's death whilst trying to fix a television aerial, "the eponymous puppet with a penchant for pecking" is returning to CITV this October, in a brand new live-action comedy series.
Emu is essentially "Emu, the early years", with a youthful bird taking centre stage, with Rod's real-life son, Toby... playing a younger version of his own father!
Aimed at 6-11 year olds, the show has Toby and Emu sharing a flat, in shades of The Odd Couple and Laurel & Hardy. Unfortunately, the flat has a "no pets" policy, so Emu and Toby are constantly avoiding suspicious security guard Ken Cole, with the help of neighbours Charlie and Dani. Emu must also contend with sneaky Sophie, another neighbour who sees money-making opportunities with the anarchic bird.
A CITV source said: "Having worked with Rod Hull in the past it is a particular thrill and pleasure to be reacquainted with the extraordinary Emu. I am delighted to be working with Toby and bringing Emu to a brand new audience. Chat show hosts be warned -- the beak is back! With loads of slapstick laughs and crazy comedy potential, Emu is the perfect mix of anarchy, pecking, nostalgia… and a little more pecking!"
