Captain Birdseye floats a boat or two after a suave makeover
WITH his shaggy white beard, sailor’s hat and a twinkle in his eye Captain Birdseye is instantly recognisable as the face of fish fingers.
But now the salty sea dog has been given a face lift and replaced with a younger – and some customers have noted rather attractive – model.
As part of an £8million advertising campaign Italian-born actor Riccardo Acerbi, 56, is set to replace South African Mitch Commins, 68, who took the role less than two years ago.
The new captain made his television debut last night on Channel 4. The advertisement featured Captain Birdseye jumping into the sea with his grandchildren, before tucking into a plate of fish fingers.
It has been said that the new captain is an attempt to make the character more contemporary. Other adjectives have been used on social media. OK! Magazine tweeted: “OMG, the new hunky Captain Birdseye will make you think differently about Fish Fingers.”
Acerbi is said to have gone through a rigorous audition process before being awarded with the coveted role.
His affinity for water sports, including sailing and canoeing, equipped him with the necessary seafaring qualities, Birds Eye bosses said. Unlike his predecessor, Acerbi doesn’t suffer from seasickness.
A Birds Eye spokesman said: “With almost 35 years’ experience in front of the camera, Riccardo nabbed the role following a rigorous audition process at which he impressed Birds Eye with his genuine approach to portraying the captain and love of the sea.”