The Muppets could soon be returning to the small screen with plans for a new weekend teatime show on BBC1, according to the Mirror. The paper reports that a new version of the show - which ran for five years from 1976 - is in the works, and could lead to a whole series if a pilot episode is successful. It would take the format of a talk show featuring a host Muppet, and is likely to feature old favourites Kermit and Miss Piggy as well as other new characters. The plans have been put forward following the huge success of the latest Muppets film, which was released in the UK last month. "It’s a really early doors development, but we have very high hopes," said BBC Entertainment executive Karl Warner. "The idea is that it will be very firmly anchored in the world of the chat show, but based around a new character created by the Henson Company." A BBC spokeswoman added, "Plans are in the early stages but it is very exciting." The original series followed the goings-on backstage of the Muppets' own variety show, featuring a host of puppet characters. Other popular characters as well as Kermit and Miss Piggy included Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, drummer Animal, grumpy old men Staedler and Waldorf and the nonsensical Swedish chef.
