Children's TV star hailed as 'truly amazing' tragically died after health battle

Daily Mirror

4 days ago

Carol Lee Scott was the actress behind the iconic character Grotbags, who was a regular on our TV screens in the 1980s and 1990s
It was the children's television catchphrase that millions of youngsters mimicked throughout the 1980s, gleefully shouting it whenever visitors arrived: "There's somebody at the door! There's somebody at the door!" And with it came an outrageous green witch, a peculiar pink windmill packed with children, and the notorious TV puppet-and-handler partnership of Rod Hull and Emu.
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The television programme that spawned this memorable phrase was ITV's Emu's World, whilst the bizarre green witch in the flowing cape whom we adored despising was Grotbags – portrayed by actress Carol Lee Scott. She resided in a fortress called Gloomy Fortress, and clumsily attempted to wield her magical abilities over the youngsters, whilst also maintaining control of her minion Croc by striking him with her bazazzer, a parasol-shaped wand topped with a pointing finger.
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But what happened to the performer behind such a legendary character? Carol, who entered the world in Somerset in 1942, launched her career following her relocation to London, performing vocals in neighbourhood pubs whilst working days at a music shop. She subsequently joined the holiday resort Pontins, entertaining guests for 19 years whilst simultaneously performing at working men's clubs, reports OK!. In more recent news, a man, 30, put shoulder pain down to gym aches, then doctors asked where he'd like to die.
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For Carol, a summer engagement in Cleethorpes resulted in an encounter with Rod Hull, who had been commissioned to create a fresh television programme. Carol first graced screens in 1982 with her appearance on Emu's World, alongside a timid crocodile, a robotic butler, and a sycophantic manservant. The show enjoyed several series runs.
In 1991, Carol lent her voice to the animated spin-off Rod 'n' Emu, and later starred in her own self-titled TV programme in the early 90s and Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show. She became a staple on the pantomime scene but, regrettably, succumbed to cancer eight years ago, on 4 July, 2017, at the age of 74.
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Her niece Gina Mear took to Twitter to announce her passing, writing "My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you."
The heartfelt tweet was accompanied by two photos: one showing Carol in her iconic green Grotbags makeup with what appeared to be relatives, and another capturing a more personal moment at home with her niece and an adorable baby. The post resonated with fans, quickly spreading across the internet as many paid tribute to the entertainer.
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One fan praised her portrayal, commenting "Carol Ann Lee was truly amazing as #Grotbags just the right amount of scary for young children," Another shared their sorrow: "I'm so sorry for your loss. Grotbags was a fantastic part of my childhood. She was my favourite part of The Pink Windmill."
A third admirer expressed their condolences, saying: "Sad to hear the passing of Carol Lee Scott who played #Grotbags on TV. Genuinely scary/entertaining to the young me. A great actress. RIP."
The entertainment world rallied around the family of Carol Lee Scott during this tough period, with tributes pouring in. Comedian Rufus Hound shared his condolences, saying: "Very sorry for your loss. An icon for folk of my generation. Thank you for her."
The late Rod Hull, who tragically passed away in 1999 at 63 after falling from the roof while adjusting his TV aerial, would have celebrated his 90th birthday next week, on 13 August.