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Mark Sainsbury and Muppet - Source: Richard Robinson/NZ Herald -
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Close Up presenter Mark Sainsbury finds it odd to be "making history" as the first person in Australasia to be immortalised as a Muppet by Disney.
The "Mark Muppet" will make his television debut on Close Up at 7pm tonight.
The Muppet sports Sainsbury's signature moustache, a blue jacket, white shirt and a tie.
It was made in New York by The Muppet Workshop - Disney's official muppet makers.
Sainsbury said the tribute came after Close Up producer and keen puppeteer Chris Lynch, who was mad about doing something on The Muppets, was sent to the US to do a "dream interview with Miss Piggy and Kermit".
While in Los Angeles Lynch said he suggested using a puppet to interview the Muppets.
"Disney said they would prefer a human to be the reporter, but offered to make a "Mark Muppet" for us," Lynch said.
Sainsbury said he thought Lynch was joking when he came back and said it had been given the go ahead.
"I thought it was odd at the time to be Muppetised - I didn't even know that was a word."
"The Muppets are such a legend. I thought wow, I didn't appreciate what a big deal it was."
Sainsbury, who grew up watching the show, said the Muppet has a green body and face with a blue nose which is "a bit weird".
Close Up will also feature Lynch's story on one person's obsession with The Muppets tonight.
Lynch describes meeting the Disney team behind The Muppets as "the most amazing experience" of his life.
"I was a bit star struck meeting lead Muppeteers Steve Whitmire, who has performed Kermit the Frog since Jim Hensons death in 1990, and Eric Jacobson, who is Miss Piggy. They are Muppet royalty to any puppeteer."
Sainsbury's Muppet will make his first public appearance at the Starship foundation film premiere on Sunday.
All proceeds raised from the event will go towards the rebuild of the Medical Specialties and Neuroservices at Starship.
Next weekend the Muppet is making a guest appearance on What Now and at the TVNZ Kids Xmas party.
Disney's new movie The Muppets opens in New Zealand on December 29.
You can watch the trailer for the new Muppets film here.
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