Meerkat Aleksandr 'releasing Xmas single'

TV meerkat Aleksandr Orlov is to release a Christmas single, a report has claimed today.

The Russian character, famous for his "Simples!" catchphrase, has become a household name since making his debut on advertisements for car insurance website Compare The Market in January.

Orlov is the fictional owner of the Compare The Meerkat internet site and regularly appears on screen to express frustration over insurance seekers who visit his page accidentally.

A source told the Daily Star: "Aleksandr has a fanbase to rival any of today's pop divas so it seems an obvious move to have a crack at recording a song.

"It'll be an upbeat, modern ditty but of course with a lot of Russian influence. Expect plenty of gags and the 'Simples!' catchphrase to feature heavily. It's the kind of thing you can see sweeping the net too."

Actor Simon Greenall, who voices Aleksandr, is reportedly helping to create lyrics for the song, which is also expected to feature the creature's IT expert friend Sergei.