Muppets' Kermit jokes that lockdown kept diva Miss Piggy at bay

By Sarah Mills

LONDON (Reuters) - The Muppets have been describing life under lockdown ahead of the start of their new series, and the loveable puppets have been using video conferencing, learning new skills and appreciating some alone time.

Asked if he had enjoyed some time away from his on-off partner Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog told Reuters: "I would never say this to her, but, you know, it's been kind of great to have our space. But we do talk every day."

The famous characters will return to the screens in "Muppets Now", which will be available to stream on Disney+ from July 31. Kermit said "it has a silly chaos that made us famous."

Asked what she had been doing during lockdown, Miss Piggy said: "naturally, I've been re-watching many of my movies.

"I've learnt to cook - TV dinners. I've also taught my dog Foo-Foo a few new tricks. But I have to admit, if I knew how chatty he would be, I would have never taught him English."

Created by Jim Henson, who died in 1990, the Muppets helmed "The Muppet Show" on TV between 1976 and 1981, before appearing in numerous films.

Henson, was also the creative mind behind the long-running children's show "Sesame Street", which featured Muppets.

Asked if she had renewed her advances on Kermit, Miss Piggy replied: "So you're asking are we together? Nobody's together - right now we all have to stay six feet apart remember!"

(Reporting by Sarah Mills; Writing by Alexandra Hudson; Editing by Mike Collett-White)