Emu is a puppet emu given to 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] While on stage, the character had a mischievous persona and often attacked the celebrity guests for comic effect. Rod and Emu appeared on several episodes of The Hudson Brothers' comedy show in the United States.
Hull's son Toby Hull returned Emu to television on CITV in October 2007.[1] Unlike before, Emu now makes noises so viewers can get a good idea of what he is thinking, and whenever Toby needs to move around, an unseen puppeteer controls Emu. The new series had 26 episodes, and is set in a modern apartment block where no pets are allowed. so Emu has to beware of his next door neighbour, Sophie.[2]
Toby's and Emu's other neighbours are two young kids named Charlie and Dani who are cousins. In addition to helping Toby keep Emu a secret, they also help Emu outfox Sophie, who is obsessed with using Emu in different ways as a quick way to make money. While Toby is oblivious to Sophie's scheming ways, Charlie, Dani, and Emu know her true colours. Toby also has to keep Emu a secret from Ken Cole, a grumpy security guard with a dislike for all animals, especially birds.
In June 2009, it was announced that CITV had ordered a second series of the revived Emu show. Toby Hull would remain as Emu's sidekick, but now they would be running a craft cafe[3] and again Emu had to avoid being found out, this time by health inspector Leo. The first 2 episodes in series 2 were broadcast on September 13th on ITV1.