How The Muppet Show was Born in Britain

The Muppet Show burst onto British TV screens in 1976.

The mastermind of US puppeteer, animator and actor Jim Henson, the series was actually made a reality with the support of UK media mogul Lew Grade and his ITV company ATV based in Birmingham and Elstree.

It was an instant hit and would attract huge guest stars who wanted to appear alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzy Bear and the rest of the mad cap anarchic characters. 

Though born in Britain, the Muppet Show would go onto be shown in 100 different countries worldwide. 

Here MIM's Ashley Byrne assembles Gonzo (David Goelz) with Louise Gold (Annie Sue Pig) and Muppet writer Joe Bailey for a look back at the show's formative years in Britain in the mid-70s. 

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