Lynam dyes moustache for Mario

Suave football presenter Des Lynam turned heads today after dyeing his trademark moustache purple.

The silver-haired host of ITV’s The Premiership was chosen by videogame giant Nintendo to mark the launch of its latest game, Super Mario Sunshine.

Lynam and Mario – Nintendo’s moustachioed Italian-American plumber from Brooklyn – were described as “two true moustachioed icons of their age”.

Sporting a purple moustache to match the colour of Nintendo’s latest console, GameCube, the presenter said: “I am pleased that the true worth of my moustache has finally been realised.

“It’s something I’ve worn proudly for years, despite what fashions have come and gone.

“I consider Mario a long-serving brother in arms, and long may we both wear our fine facial hair with pride.”

Nintendo announced that it has sponsored Lynam’s moustache for a year. As part of the deal, the company is looking to insure his whiskers against damage and loss.