Emu (puppet)
| Emu | |
|---|---|
 The logo for the new series of Emu | |
| Created by | Rod Hull |
| Portrayed by | Rod Hull (1960s–1999) Toby Hull (2003–present) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Emu |
| Gender | Male |
Emu is a four-year-old puppet emu which was given to British entertainer Rod Hull in the 1960s while he was presenting a children's breakfast television programme in Australia. Hull adopted the mute puppet for his cabaret act, and took it with him to the United Kingdom when he returned in 1970.[1] The character was given a mischievous and sometimes aggressive onstage persona, attacking celebrity guests (and Hull himself) for comic effect, notably on Michael Parkinson's chat show in 1976.[2] Hull and Emu also appeared on several episodes of The Hudson Brothers' comedy show in the United States.[citation needed]
History
[edit]1970s and 1980s television series
[edit]During the 1970s, Hull and Emu achieved national fame in the UK with their BBC series Emu's Broadcasting Company. The duo moved to ITV in the 1980s, where a succession of shows was produced concerning their ongoing rivalry with Grotbags, a witch played by Carol Lee Scott.
2000s revival
[edit]A new series, simply titled Emu, with Toby Hull replacing his father (who had died in 1999), was produced in Belfast and broadcast on ITV in 2007.[1] A second series was produced in New Zealand and broadcast in 2009.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Emu set for television comeback". BBC News. 8 June 2006. Retrieved 8 June 2006.
- ^ Bates, Stephen (17 August 2023). "Sir Michael Parkinson obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
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