Kermit Denies Brunette Pig Is His New Flame

Kermit the Frog has taken to Twitter to deny rumours that he has a new girlfriend called Denise.

The Muppets star said he was forced to take to social media to set fans straight after photos emerged of him with the glamorous brunette pig in a new mockumentary series.

Denise is said to the head of marketing for television network ABC.

Kermit tweeted: "Sheesh. I can't believe I already have to do this again... Here is the official statement on my relationship status:

"While I prefer to keep my personal life private, this is Hollywood, so who am I kidding? It is true that I am dating again.

"However, at this time no one woman - pig or otherwise - is my official "new girlfriend". We are simply close friends."

But the news is unlikely to make his former flame Miss Piggy jealous.

She was pictured getting cosy with Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth last week.

Hemsworth, who made a cameo appearance on The Muppets docu-series, posted a photo on Instagram with the comment: "Spent Friday with the most beautiful girl in the world. Kermit, #SorryNotSorry. #TheMuppets #misspiggy."

Kermit and Miss Piggy announced their split last month after more than three decades together.

Kermit said: "Piggy and I have gone our separate ways, romantically."

Miss Piggy wrote on Facebook: "After careful thought, thoughtful consideration and considerable squabbling, we have made the difficult decision to terminate our romantic relationship.

"We will continue to work together on television."

She added: "Our personal lives are now distinct and separate, and we will be seeing other people, pigs, frogs, et al.

"This is our only comment on this private matter...unless we get the right offer. Thank you for your understanding."

The series about the personal lives and relationships of the Muppets premieres on ABC in the US on 22 September.