Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be making regular appearances on British television screens — in the form of a semi-naked puppet on a new satirical show.
Newzoids, a modern spin-off of the popular Spitting Image series that aired in the 1980s and 90s, will poke fun at Putin's outlandish passion for flashing his torso when the opportunity knocks.
The Internet is already awash with memes and cartoons of Putin, who has been snapped bare-chested on several hunting and fishing trips in the Russian wilderness.
A press poster released by the Newzoids creators shows Putin surrounded by a number of famous celebrities, including U.S. singer Beyonce, British tennis player Andy Murray and London Mayor Boris Johnson.
Putin's central position in the poster hints that he will be making more than just a mere cameo in the show — seemingly corresponding with his global ambitious course.
Newzoids is expected to air on the ITV channel in spring.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
