President Vladimir Putin has been credited with creating a new character for a popular children's television show.
Alexander Mitroshenkov, chairman of the board of directors of the "Klass" television company, said a new character created by Putin would appear on the show "Spokoinoi Nochi, Malyshi!" or "Good Night, Little Ones!" in October, RIA Novosti reported Friday.
"We began work on finding a new puppet character a long time ago, and we went through many different options. The idea for the new character was a tip from our president. At first it seemed a bit unexpected, but then when we began to examine [the idea] more closely, we understood that it was a homerun!" Mitroshenkov, who is also the show's producer, was cited as saying by RIA Novosti.
"In two weeks, everyone will find out what kind of new character this is, and it will probably become clear to many what relation the president has to the story," Mitroshenkov said.
Mitroshenkov also said the new character would be more contemporary, using 3D technology to create it.
"He will smile, he will shake hands and talk. It's a unique project — with animation, puppets and a host combined in one shot," he told RIA Novosti.
The 10-minute show, first broadcast in 1964, airs daily on Rossiya 1.