Robot Wars viewers discovered a new favourite as a machine modelled on US President Donald Trump took to the arena.

The robot – named Donald Thump – appeared as the new series of the BBC Two show got under way on Sunday.

Created by 23-year-old junior doctor James Davies, Donald Thump had plans to “make Robot Wars great again” and its key weaknesses were said to be “extremely flammable hair” and “a mild susceptibility to fake news”.

Fans of the show about duelling robots quickly saw the funny side, declaring that the robot was “hilarious”.

“DonaldThump is the best #RobotWars concept ever! So funny!” wrote one viewer on Twitter.

“I’m hysterical,” said another, adding a string of laughing emojis.

One wrote: “There’s a satirical Donald Trump robot on robot wars and it’s perfection.”

The fact that the robot did not fare well in battle did not change the way viewers felt about it.

“I’ll be honest, I’m finding watching Donald Thump fall apart quite cathartic,” posted one, while another joked: “Looks like Donald thump is as much use as his name sake!”