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When you think 'T-rex', the word ginger probably doesn't spring to mind.

But the latest research shows popular culture might have got it wrong about the legendary dinosaur.

In a new BBC 2 documentary , The Real T-Rex with Chris Packham , experts claim the latest research shows Tyrannosaurus Rex had orange markings around its eyes, black feathers and a barely audible roar.

Some palaeontologists also believe the dinosaur may have been freckled after the same structures that produce melanin - the biological pigment that creates freckles and tan - were found in the fossilised skin.

(Image: BBC) (Image: BBC)

In the show, Chris also joined Dr Larry Witmer who used the latest in CT scanning technology to create a precise model of the T-Rex's brain.

The scan identified huge sensory zones, showing the dinosaur was a great hunter, but also an inner ear designed to hear ultra-low frequency infrasounds.

Dr Witmer said: "In the past when we tried to understand T-Rex and we were looking at the fossils we could learn only so much from the outside.

(Image: BBC) (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as set out at www.bbcpictures.co.uk. In particular, this image may only be published by a registered User of BBC Pictures for editorial use for the purpose of publicising the relevant BBC programme, personnel or activity during the Publicity Period which ends three review weeks following the date of transmission and provided the BBC and the copyright holder in the caption are credited. For any other purpose whatsoever, including advertising and commercial, prior written approval from the copyright holder will be required.)

"But with the advent of CT scanning, it allowed us to peer inside, to see what was going on.

"Trying to peer inside the mind of a dinosaur. This is the closest we're going to get to it."

(Image: BBC) (Image: WARNING: Use of this copyright image is subject to the terms of use of BBC Pictures' Digital Picture Service (BBC Pictures) as s)

The fearsome reputation of the T-Rex is still upheld in the show, as biologist Greg Erickson said the beast could "crack bones, tearaway pieces and swallow them, and also cut through flesh at the same time."

The Real T-Rex with Chris Packham will be broadcast on BBC2 at 9pm on Tuesday, January 2.