What was the name of the fat orange alien thing in kids tv program?

-I remember when i was younger (primary school) seeing this kids tv program (possibly educational) that had a fat orange alien on it and it was on earth, it was a guy in a costume. It wasnt a cartoon, Can any1 remember the name of the alien or program. And i've tried google!add more detail! i want to answer this! what year around? what channel? WHAT COUNTRY? i think you may be talking about alf