Adored children's TV character tragically died after cancer battle

Irish Daily Mirror

3 days ago

The catchphrase "There's somebody at the door! There's somebody at the door!" was a staple of children's television in the 1980s, joyfully echoed by millions of kids whenever guests arrived. This phrase was accompanied by an eccentric green witch, a peculiar pink windmill filled with children, and the infamous TV puppet-and-handler duo of Rod Hull and Emu.
This unforgettable phrase originated from ITV's Emu's World, while the odd green witch in the flowing cape that we loved to hate was Grotbags – played by actress Carol Lee Scott. She lived in a stronghold known as Gloomy Fortress, where she clumsily tried to use her magic on the children, whilst also keeping her minion Croc in check by hitting him with her bazazzer, a parasol-shaped wand topped with a pointing finger.
But what became of the actress behind such an iconic character?
Carol, born in Somerset in 1942, kick-started her career after moving to London, singing in local pubs while working at a music shop during the day. She later joined holiday resort Pontins, entertaining guests for 19 years while also performing at working men's clubs, according to OK!
For Carol, a summer booking in Cleethorpes led to a meeting with Rod Hull, who had been tasked with developing a new television show. Grotbags, Rod Hull and Emu. (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock) Colin Stewart pictured with Grotbags. (Image: Daily Mirror)
Carol made her debut on screens in 1982 with her role in Emu's World, appearing alongside a bashful crocodile, a mechanical butler, and a fawning servant. The programme ran for multiple series.
In 1991, Carol provided her voice for the cartoon spin-off Rod 'n' Emu, before going on to feature in her own eponymous TV show during the early 90s and Emu's All Live Pink Windmill Show.
She became a regular fixture in pantomime productions but sadly died from cancer eight years ago, on July 4, 2017, aged 74.
Her niece Gina Mear posted on Twitter to share news of her death, penning "My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you."
The touching tweet featured two photographs: one displaying Carol in her famous green Grotbags makeup alongside what looked like family members, and another showing a more intimate scene at home with her niece and a sweet baby.
The message struck a chord with supporters, rapidly circulating online as countless people offered tributes to the performer.
One admirer celebrated her performance, stating "Carol Ann Lee was truly amazing as #Grotbags just the right amount of scary for young children," whilst another expressed their grief: "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 fan offered their sympathies, 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 showbusiness community united to support Carol Lee Scott's family, with heartfelt messages flooding in. Comic Rufus Hound paid his respects, saying: "Very sorry for your loss. An icon for folk of my generation. Thank you for her."
The late Rod Hull, who died tragically in 1999 at 63 after falling from his roof whilst fixing his television aerial, would have marked his 90th birthday next week, on August 13.
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