EXCLUSIVE

by Aline Nassif

aline.nassif@essnmedia.co.uk

The man behind a knitted duck that has become something of a TV phenomenon can be revealed today as a South Croydon teacher.

Andrew Hunt, head of oriental languages at Whitgift School, is the nimble-fingered creator of Peter the Duck, a star of a spoof of The X Factor, on Harry Hill's TV Burp.

The 33-year-old, who has been knitting since the age of eight, jokes that he is missing his feathered friend who is basking in celebrity fame at the ITV studios where The K Factor competition is being filmed.

Andrew said: "I definitely feel his absence and his knitted family are missing him to bits, but we are backing him 100 per cent to win.

"He had a rough ride from judges early on, but with his sad expression and missing wings I think he appeals to the British love of the underdog - or should I say, underduck."

Peter the Duck shot to stardom last month after he was voted off the talent show for knitted animals.

A harsh knitted Cheryl Cole told him he stood no chance of winning because he had no wings.

Her comments sparked a Facebook campaign coupled with dozens of complaints from viewers, which compelled a knitted Simon Cowell to allow him back into the contest.

Andrew is "genuinely shocked" at Peter's popularity but confesses that the fact Peter has no wings, which seems to have pulled at viewers' heartstrings, was not intentional.

He explained: "When I entered him for the competition I sent a photograph when he was still incomplete.

"By the time I knew he had been chosen for the audition, I'd added his wings - but took them off again to fit the original profile.

"Peter has definitely milked the situation, but I hope people don't hold that against him.

"He's a really kind-hearted duck who is admittedly ambitious and wants to make his family proud."

Andrew, who lives in South Croydon, adds that staff and pupils at Whitgift are backing Peter to win the talent show.

To vote for Peter in the "not live final", which is being broadcast tomorrow (Saturday) at 7.30pm, go to itv.com/tvburp.