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Emu The emu () (''Dromaius novaehollandiae'') is the second-tallest living bird after its ratite relative the ostrich. It is endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus ''Dromaius''. The emu' ...
is a
British television Regular television broadcasts in the United Kingdom started in 1936 as a public service which was free of advertising, which followed the first demonstration of a transmitted moving image in 1926. Currently, the United Kingdom has a collection ...
puppet, modelled on the Australian flightless
emu The emu () (''Dromaius novaehollandiae'') is the second-tallest living bird after its ratite relative the ostrich. It is endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus ''Dromaius''. The emu' ...
bird and operated by the performer
Rod Hull Rod, Ror, Ród, Rőd, Rød, Röd, ROD, or R.O.D. may refer to: Devices * Birch rod, made out of twigs from birch or other trees for corporal punishment * Ceremonial rod, used to indicate a position of authority * Connecting rod, main, coupling ...
. After appearing on a number of variety shows, he was given his own television series on the
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
...
, then on
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of: ** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...
.


Cast


''The Pink Windmill Kids''

In the first series, ''The Pink Windmill Kids'' were all students of
Pattison College Pattison College is a non-selective independent school in the east of Coventry, England. Pattison College provides education for children aged 3 to 16 of all abilities. The school was established in 1949. In January 2006, Pattison College was ...
, which at the time was known as The Betty Pattison Dancing Academy. Subsequently they came from the
Corona Theatre School Corona Theatre School (formerly Corona Academy) was founded in 1950 as a performing arts academy, operating in the region of west London. After the retirement of its owner, Rona Knight, it reopened as Ravenscourt Theatre School in 1989. Histor ...
, known at the time as the Corona Stage School. Abbie Shilling appeared in the most episodes of all the Pink Windmill Kids, closely followed by Kelly Rossiter.


BBC


''Emu's Broadcasting Company''

''Emu's Broadcasting Company'' (1975–1980) is a children's television series featuring
Rod Hull Rod, Ror, Ród, Rőd, Rød, Röd, ROD, or R.O.D. may refer to: Devices * Birch rod, made out of twigs from birch or other trees for corporal punishment * Ceremonial rod, used to indicate a position of authority * Connecting rod, main, coupling ...
and
Emu The emu () (''Dromaius novaehollandiae'') is the second-tallest living bird after its ratite relative the ostrich. It is endemic to Australia where it is the largest native bird and the only extant member of the genus ''Dromaius''. The emu' ...
running their own television station, which parodied many
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board exam. ...
...
series of the time. Supporting Rod Hull and his emu puppet were
Billy Dainty William Hooper Frank John Dainty (22 February 1927 – 19 November 1986) was a British comedian, dancer, physical comedian and pantomime and television star. Early life Dainty was born in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, Worcestershire. Hi ...
who played a
James Bond The ''James Bond'' series focuses on a fictional British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short-story collections. Since Fleming's death in 1964, eight other authors have ...
pastiche called Captain Perceval and
Barbara New Barbara Helene Barrington (9 May 1923 – 24 May 2010) better known by her stage and birth maiden name Barbara New was an English character actress, well known for playing Mabel the scullery maid in the David Croft sitcom '' You Rang M'Lord?''. ...
who played the tea lady.


Transmissions

*Series 1: 6 editions from 18 November 1975 – 23 December 1975 *Series 2: 6 editions from 12 November 1976 – 17 December 1976 *Series 3: 6 editions from 10 October 1977 – 14 November 1977 *Series 4: 8 editions from 26 October 1978 – 14 December 1978 *Series 5: 8 editions from 2 December 1979 – 27 January 1980 *Christmas Special: 24 December 1977


BBC Specials

Rod and Emu became staples of early-evening variety entertainment on or around Bank Holidays, and the following one-off specials were made for the BBC: *''Emu's Blackpool Walkabout'': 29 August 1977 (30 Minutes) *''Emu's Cornish Walkabout'': 28 August 1978 (30 Minutes) *''Emu's Scottish Walkabout'': 27 August 1979 (35 Minutes) *''Emu's Magical Music Show'': 27 December 1980 (35 Minutes) *''Emu's Magical Christmas Show'': 27 December 1981 (35 Minutes) *''Emu's Magical Easter Show'': 12 April 1982 (35 Minutes)


''Rod and Emu's Saturday Specials'' (BBC)

*Series 1: 6 editions from 1 January 1983 – 5 February 1983


''The Rod & Emu Show'' (BBC)

*Series 1: 6 editions from 28 January 1984 – 10 March 1984


ITV


''Emu's World''

In 1981, Rod Hull was offered the opportunity to make a series for younger children by the newly-awarded
ITV ITV or iTV may refer to: ITV *Independent Television (ITV), a British television network, consisting of: ** ITV (TV network), a free-to-air national commercial television network covering the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islan ...
franchise
Central Independent Television ITV Central, previously known as Central Independent Television, Carlton Central, ITV1 for Central England and commonly referred to as simply Central, is the Independent Television franchisee for the Midlands. It was created following the rest ...
. This led to the birth of the Pink Windmill in which Rod and Emu lived, the green
witch Witchcraft traditionally means the use of Magic (supernatural), magic or supernatural powers to harm others. A practitioner is a witch. In Middle Ages, medieval and early modern Europe, where the term originated, accused witches were usually ...
named
Grotbags ''Grotbags'' is a children's television programme which ran for three series between 1991 and 1993 about a fictional witch named Grotbags, a spin-off of multiple earlier Rod Hull and Emu shows. Very much in the mould of the traditional pantomi ...
(played by the singer and comedienne
Carol Lee Scott Carol Lee Scott (20 December 1942 – 4 July 2017) was an English entertainer, best known for her role on British television in the 1980s and 1990s as "Grotbags". Throughout her career, Scott regularly performed on the international cabaret circ ...
), and her hopeless assistant Croc. The premise of the show was simple: each week Grotbags attempted to steal Emu so that, once captured, (in Grotbags's own words) she would be able to use its "special powers" to control all the "brats" in the world. Children from the
Corona Theatre School Corona Theatre School (formerly Corona Academy) was founded in 1950 as a performing arts academy, operating in the region of west London. After the retirement of its owner, Rona Knight, it reopened as Ravenscourt Theatre School in 1989. Histor ...
—referred to collectively as the Pink Windmill Kids—were on hand to offer protection and break into one or two song and dance routines per episode. The show featured Rod Hull's chanted catchphrase "There's somebody at the door, oh, there's somebody at the door" every time a visitor rang the doorbell of the Pink Windmill—which 'sneezed' loudly when pressed.


Transmission

*Series 1: 6 editions from 5 January 1982 – 9 February 1982 *Series 2: 6 editions from 27 October 1982 – 1 December 1982 *Series 3: 6 editions from 2 March 1983 – 6 April 1983 *Series 4: 6 editions from 7 September 1983 – 12 October 1983 *Special: Emu's World at Christmas – 21 December 1983 *Series 5: 6 editions from 9 March 1984 – 13 April 1984 *Special: Emu at Easter: 20 April 1984


''Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show''

The success of Emu's World led to the series being expanded in mid-1984 from 20-minute to 42-minute episodes and re-branded as the ''Pink Windmill Show''. The target age range was broadened, and the programme now featured viewer phone calls, a studio audience, games such as one in Grotbags's grotto based on the format of the "take the money or open the box" segment of ''
Take Your Pick! ''Take Your Pick!'' is a United Kingdom game show originally broadcast by Radio Luxembourg (English), Radio Luxembourg starting in 1952. The show was transferred to television in 1955 with the launch of ITV Network, ITV, where it continued unt ...
'', the Post Office (for viewers to send their letters and pictures), and Boggle's Kingdom—a mini-series featuring Rod's ancestor who is trapped in Tudor times. A subsequent addition was the Twin Schools section, which aimed to pair British schools with similar ones in Australia, Canada, or the US. The singing and dancing of the Pink Windmill Kids was retained, extra character Robot Redford introduced, and the show in this format achieved enormous popularity (evidenced by being broadcast in the coveted Children's ITV slot of last thing on a Friday). Three series were broadcast live from 1984 to 1986 (despite the third run dropping "All Live" from the title), and in 1987 two series of Emu's Wide World were made. These followed a similar formula to the Pink Windmill Shows, but were pre-recorded, resulting in the phone-based Spin Quiz being replaced by Emu's Bargain Basement—an obstacle course in a supermarket. A final series of Emu's World aired in 1988, which retained Boggle's Kingdom and introduced an outdoors obstacle course despite being cut to a 20-minute run time. All series were produced and directed by Colin Clews for
Central Independent Television ITV Central, previously known as Central Independent Television, Carlton Central, ITV1 for Central England and commonly referred to as simply Central, is the Independent Television franchisee for the Midlands. It was created following the rest ...
and broadcast from the now-defunct East Midlands Television Centre in
Nottingham Nottingham ( , East Midlands English, locally ) is a city status in the United Kingdom, city and Unitary authorities of England, unitary authority area in Nottinghamshire, East Midlands, England. It is located north-west of London, south-east ...
. A clip from the first live episode (13 July 1984), in which the Pink Windmill Kids enthusiastically introduce themselves before launching into a rendition of the
Village People Village People is an American disco group known for its on-stage costumes and suggestive lyrics in their music. The group was originally formed by French producers Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo and lead singer Victor Willis following the release ...
song "
Can't Stop the Music ''Can't Stop the Music'' is a 1980 American musical comedy film directed by Nancy Walker. Written by Allan Carr and Bronté Woodard, the film is a pseudo-biography of the 1970s disco group the Village People loosely based on the actual story ...
", became an
Internet meme An Internet meme, commonly known simply as a meme ( ), is an idea, behavior, style, or image that is spread via the Internet, often through social media platforms. What is considered a meme may vary across different communities on the Internet ...
in late 2016, and in early 2017 the kids in the sequence (with the exception of Spencer, who was unavailable) reunited to remake the segment in aid of
Comic Relief Comic relief is the inclusion of a humorous character, scene, or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension. Definition Comic relief usually means a releasing of emotional or other tension resulting from a comic episo ...
.


Transmission

''Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show'' *Series 1: 7 editions from 13 July 1984 – 24 August 1984 *''Emu at Christmas'' – 25 December 1984 *Series 2: 13 editions from 12 April 1985 – 5 July 1985 ''Emu's Pink Windmill Show'' *Series 1: 10 editions from 14 February 1986 – 25 April 1986 *''Emu at Easter'' – 29 March 1986 (repeat of 1984 special) *''Emu at Christmas'' – 26 December 1986 (repeat of 1984 special) ''Emu's Wide World'' *Series 1: 9 editions from 3 April 1987 – 5 June 1987 *Series 2: 8 editions from 3 November 1987 – 5 January 1988 ''Emu's World'' *Series 6: 13 editions from 12 May 1988 – 4 August 1988


''EMU-TV''

Following the demise of ''Emu's World'', Rod Hull went to Canada and recorded a single series of EMU-TV, based heavily on his earlier Emu's Broadcasting Company series. His co-stars this time were Murray Langston and Carolyn Scott, while Les Foubracs made regular guest appearances. These episodes were brought back to the UK and re-edited for a British audience by
Central Independent Television ITV Central, previously known as Central Independent Television, Carlton Central, ITV1 for Central England and commonly referred to as simply Central, is the Independent Television franchisee for the Midlands. It was created following the rest ...
, with a small number of additional segments featuring Grotbags and the Pink Windmill Kids also being shot. Episode 5 of this series features future England international footballer
Emile Heskey Emile William Ivanhoe Heskey (born 11 January 1978) is an English former professional footballer who currently serves as head of football development of Leicester City Women. Playing as a striker, he made more than 500 appearances in the Foo ...
running an obstacle course and accidentally being called "Emily".


Transmission

* Series 1: 22 editions from 15 March 1989 – 20 September 1989


''Rod 'n' Emu''


''Emu''

The first episode of Emu's new series, simply called ''Emu'', was broadcast on 8 October 2007. The first series was filmed in
Belfast Belfast ( , ; from ga, Béal Feirste , meaning 'mouth of the sand-bank ford') is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast. It is the 12th-largest city in the United Kingdo ...
with shots at Queens Street Flats. The main characters are Emu and his owner, Toby (Toby Hull), a computer games designer. Toby has to keep Emu a secret from Ken Cole, a grumpy security guard. Toby's neighbours, children Charlie and Dani, help him to keep Emu a secret. Toby's other neighbour, Sophie, is the villainess of the show: an air hostess who becomes obsessed with making money off of Emu, but her plans always backfire on her. At the end of the first series, Emu and Toby moved back to Australia. In June 2009, it was announced that a second series of the show with 26 episodes was produced by the Gibson Group a
New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...
film and broadcast company. Most of the cast was done by New Zealand actors. The plot in the second series is where Toby has a job in a kids' cafe. He meets Kelly ( Bryony Skillington), the cafe manager, who is allergic to birds, especially Emu, although she still adores Emu. Cafe kids Sam and Georgia live upstairs above the cafe. They are good friends with Emu. They all must watch out for Leo Leach (
Toby Leach Toby is a popular, usually male, name in many English speaking countries. The name is from the Middle English vernacular form of Tobias. Tobias itself is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew טוביה ''Toviah'', which translates to ''Good i ...
), the town inspector who is strict with pest control; he will close the cafe down if an animal is found. The first episode of the second series was broadcast on 13 September 2009 on ITV1 at 9:45am. The second-series puppeteer was Nick Blake and the director was
Danny Mulheron Danny Mulheron is a New Zealand actor, writer, and director who has worked in theatre, television and film. Mulheron graduated from Toi Whakaari, Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School in 1983 with a Diploma in Acting. In 2012, he directed ''Fr ...
the same director of
Paradise Café ''Paradise Café'' is a teen television series that premiered on 6 January 2009 on CBBC Channel and TV2. It was a co-production between New Zealand's Gibson Group and UK company Initial, a division of Endemol. The first series started on 6 Jan ...
by the same company. The second episode was broadcast on the same day as well. It was shown on CITV with repeats until April 2014.


References

{{reflist


External links


Emu's Broadcasting Company (Ebc1) (TV series)

Emu's World (TV series)
1975 British television series debuts 1989 British television series endings 1970s British children's television series 1980s British children's television series BBC children's television shows ITV children's television shows British television shows featuring puppetry BBC television comedy ITV comedy Television series by ITV Studios English-language television shows Television shows produced by Central Independent Television Television articles with incorrect naming style