Gerry Anderson, creator of The Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, and Stingray, decided to ditch his puppetry and marionette work to use live actors. Yes, real live actors, and so it happened that the UFO series was born in 1970. It was a real flop but gained a cult status over the years thanks to some incredible effects, intriguing storylines and above all, gorgeous women in silver mini skirts and purple wigs.