The Belfast singer/song-writer was asked to pen the title song for the new BBC show, which debuts next month.

But when he turned up to perform, he found himself drafted in to act alongside muppets Potto, Hilda and Claribelle in the final episode of the series.

Duke Special, aka Pete Wilson, said: "When I was asked to write the title song I jumped at the chance because I have such fond memories of Sesame Street.

"I was really nervous, I'm a singer, not an actor after all, but it was such great fun and I enjoyed every minute of it."

The 'Norn Iron' version of the children's classic, which runs for 20 episodes, features muppets Potto and Hilda. The duo will answer questions on topics posed by children who come to their tree and will introduce live action films that showcase the diversity of Northern Ireland.

It will show the muppets with their famous American relatives, including Bert and Ernie, the Count and the Cookie Monster.

Pete, a father-of-three, wrote the track with composer John Anderson, said his children, aged five, eight and 11, were unimpressed with his acting debut.

"They haven't seen it yet but to them I'm just their dad who gets them out to school in the morning and puts them to bed at night," he said.

Peter was at the launch of Sesame Tree yesterday. Up to 70 children also went to watch the muppets, made by the Jim Henson Company in New York.

Gary E Knell, President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, said: "Sesame Workshop is proud to work with dedicated local partners like SixteenSouth, BBC Northern Ireland, Queen's University and the project's funders to create relevant, inspring content that bridges gaps and make a positive impact."

Colin Williams, executive producer, said: "It has been an honour to produce Sesame Tree for our children of Northern Ireland, by the people of Northern Ireland."

Sesame Tree goes out on BBC2 NI on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 at 7.15am