[Arneldo]

THE Muppet Show is set to return to TV in its first new series for 27 years.

Kermit the frog and his comedy pals could be on their way back thanks to a new Disney film.

Its writer, Hollywood funnyman Jason Segel, 28, is also in line to pen a TV series.

A source said: “Jason is a massive Muppets fan and is seen as the man to finally bring The Muppet Show back to TV.

“It will obviously have all its old fans but Jason’s comedy is hugely popular with youngsters so it will open it up to a whole new audience.

“The movie plot involves all the Muppets uniting to save their studio with one last variety show. The plot opens the door for a full TV series.

“If the movie script is popular Jason will write the TV series too. He is already coming up with ideas for it.”

Segel wrote popular recent comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Knocked Up.

Though there have been spin-offs, The Muppet Show finished in 1981 after a six-year run.

The last Muppets movie was Muppets From Space in 1999.

Disney bought the rights to the Muppets four years ago.

Sun