Latest news with #HouseParty
Glasgow Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
House Party makes comeback with Pride pop-up in Glasgow
House Party, formerly located in the city's southside, has relaunched as a brand agency and curator after closing its physical store earlier this year. The new model will see the team represent a select group of independent businesses and place their products in like-minded shops across the UK and Europe. The Social Hub (Image: Supplied) Richy Edwards, co-founder of House Party, said: "We're still here, we just look a little different now. "This model gives us more flexibility to continue working with the brands we believe in, many of which are queer-owned, female-led or run by people of colour. Read more: 200,000 homes in Glasgow can now access faster broadband "It also means those products can reach more people, in more places." House Party will continue trading online and through pop-up events, with its first taking place from July 14 to 20 as part of Pride Hub at The Social Hub Glasgow. The pop-up will showcase a curated selection of brands, including Brooklyn-based puzzle makers Le Puzz, Scottish studio Vonk known for pop icon-inspired mugs and prints, and Mull, which creates functional homeware from repurposed plastics. Limited edition Pride cards illustrated by Glasgow designer Ruth Tullis will also be available. Mr Edwards said: "Pop-ups are a great way to collaborate, meet new customers, and bring small brands into places they might not normally reach. "We see this as a chance to grow without the overheads of a permanent location." The Social Hub was chosen for the relaunch due to its central location and ongoing support for small businesses. Mr Edwards said: "It's such a well-positioned hub, right next to everything, and the brands just feel aligned. "Our model has always been that everybody's welcome in our house, and that's exactly what The Social Hub is about, too." The House Party pop-up is part of The Social Hub's July programme celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and community. Events are free or donation-based, with full listings and booking details available on Eventbrite.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
90s TV icon had his own UK theme park but five years later it was abandoned
The park opened in the 1990s and was a huge hit with fans of a particular Saturday night TV mascot. However, the novelty soon wore off TV legend Noel Edmonds has recently returned to our screens, tending to his vineyards on the expansive River Haven estate in New Zealand, while also pulling pints in his historic 17th-century pub, and broadcasting a "positivity" radio station dedicated to his plants and pets. Yet, it's his role as the host of the iconic '90s hit Noel's House Party that he's best remembered for around here. Broadcast from Crinkley Bottom in Somerset, Noel was frequently overshadowed by his infamous accomplice - Mr Blobby. Mr Blobby, a regular on Noel Edmonds' House Party, not only had his own VHS release but also stormed to the top of the UK singles charts with his self-titled track Mr Blobby. To cash in on the success of Blobbymania, Crinkley Bottom theme park, often dubbed Blobbyland, opened its gates at Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, in 1994. But sadly, Blobbymania didn't carry over into the new millennium. The park closed in 1999 but wasn't demolished in 2014, leaving behind an abandoned site that attracted nostalgia-seekers, reports Somerset Live. What happened to Crinkley Bottom at Cricket St Thomas? The theme park was established within the grounds of Cricket House, at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset, which was already a well-loved local hotspot in the 90s, boasting wildlife enclosures and an adventure park. The wildlife park, opened in the 1960s, was home to a range of animals including leopards, zebras, flamingoes, elephants, and ring-tailed lemurs. Visitors to the park could step into Mr Blobby's world by exploring his house: Dunblobbin', offering a glimpse into what life might be like for Mr Blobby when he wasn't causing chaos on Noel's House Party. Fans had the opportunity to meet Mr, Mrs and Baby Blobby at various live events and even snap a photo with the notorious blob. Blobbyland (later rebranded as Cuckooland) featured a children's play area, while the high street offered a slice of Crinkley Bottom with shops such as a bakery and the Blobby shop. Two trains whisked visitors around the grounds and across the valley, offering stunning views of the landscape and free-roaming deer. A map of the Crinkley Bottom theme park reveals features such as a railway, an 'Animals of Farthing Wood' attraction, sea lion shows, a safari ride, 'fun village', a deer park and leopards. The park also boasted a 'TV's family favourites' feature and a high street complete with the Blobby Shop. The main attraction for 90s children, however, was undoubtedly Mr Blobby's house. Dunblobbin, a vibrant pink structure adorned with yellow spots and a blue roof, was encircled by a white picket fence and featured windowsills decorated with colourful plastic flowers. Next to its iconic front door – a popular spot for photos – was a doorbell that, when pressed, would emit the familiar high-pitched chant of 'Blobby blobby blobby!'. However, the park's glory days were short-lived, closing down just five years later in 1999 when Warner Leisure purchased the site. The company gradually phased out the wildlife aspect, transforming the area into an adults-only hotel centred around Cricket House, with most traces of Mr Blobby either removed or demolished. When the theme park shut its doors in the late 1990s, the buildings remained untouched until they were stumbled upon by urban explorers in 2009. Their discovery, captured on film, quickly went viral, stirring up nostalgia among 90s kids. The images sparked such interest that people began flocking to Cricket St Thomas in Somerset to sneak into the now-deserted Blobbyland. Despite efforts by the site owners to deter trespassers – including sealing off an access tunnel – the site was eventually demolished in 2014. Our reporters have shared some of their favourite memories and attractions at Blobby land. 1. Dunblobbin' Mr Blobby's home was a sight to behold, with its pink and yellow spotted exterior, topped off with a blue roof. The house, complete with a large, inviting archway, beckoned visitors to venture inside. Once within the walls of this eccentric dwelling, guests were greeted by an assortment of Blobby-themed furnishings, often being used by a member of the Blobby clan. This whimsical home was arguably the park's main draw. You might recall strolling past the charming white picket fence, spotting plastic flowers adorning the windowsills, before finally arriving at the iconic front door. Here, you'd strike a pose for a snapshot before pressing that now eerie doorbell. Once inside, it was hard to know where to direct your gaze - the sofas were adorned with floral patterns, the fixtures and fittings appeared as if they'd been sketched by Smart Arty from the 90s children's programme 'Zzzap!', and even the family loo sported Mr Blobby's signature pink and yellow spots. A peculiar TV and record player took pride of place in the living room. Visitors got a real insight into the lives of Mr and Mrs Blobby and their baby. Upon entering the kitchen, it became apparent that their diet consisted mainly of cake and Blobby Flakes. Of course, there was also a blobby dog lounging on the floor and blobby fish swimming in a bowl, both sporting matching spotty pink and yellow attire. The bathroom held a surprise for unsuspecting visitors, with Mr Blobby's head cheekily peeking out from behind the shower curtain. 2. The Mr Blobby Shop Blobbyland was a treasure trove of unique shops, featuring the likes of the Smell Shop, Gunge Factory, Town Hall, Peculiar Pet Shop, Potty Plant Shop, Cuckoo Clock Shop and Bakery. It boasted an eclectic mix of genuine and mock-up stores, with the latter hosting animated characters in the windows to entertain visitors. But the true highlight was the Mr Blobby Shop, taking centre stage on Crinkley Bottom's very own High Street. This was the go-to place for all things Blobby, from memorabilia to merchandise. 3. That iconic Blobby bench Cast your mind back to the unmistakable pink and yellow bench, sculpted into the welcoming figures of Mr and Mrs Blobby. Perfect for a cheeky Blobby selfie or a family photo, it's likely you've got an old picture of yourself perched on that very bench. Scary? Not any more than being up close and personal with Mr Blobby himself, which brings us to.... 4. Unforgettable Blobby photo moments Post-show, fans were thrilled with the opportunity to snap a photo with THE Mr Blobby – 'THE' being used lightly, as there were rumoured to be multiple Mr Blobbys meeting and greeting across the nation. But in that moment, he was your Mr Blobby, and that's what counted. As a keepsake, visitors left with a polaroid of themselves alongside the celebrity, neatly framed in a little yellow cardboard frame emblazoned with "A memory of your day at... Crinkley Bottom". As if such a day could ever slip one's mind. 5. The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy in Toyland Crinkley Bottom was home to more than just Mr Blobby; it also hosted The Animals of Farthing Wood and Noddy with Big Ears, each having their dedicated areas within the park. Visitors could spot woodland creatures nestled among trees and bushes while taking a train ride around the site. Toyland's characters also had their own corner of the park, providing a respite from the Blobby frenzy when needed. 6. Gunge Gunge was a staple of 90s television, and neither Mr Blobby nor Noel Edmonds could resist its allure. Blobbyland followed suit, featuring The Gunge Factory and even its own Gunge Mines, located a stone's throw from the High Street. This faux tunnel, disguised as a gunge mine, housed two mining figures resembling Crinkley Bottom's other inhabitants. 7. The balcony of the Liszt and Newt pub Next to Blobbyland's entrance stood the Liszt and Newt pub (now known as The Black Swan). Serving food and beverages to visitors and locals of Cricket St Thomas, it was a favoured gathering spot for families, friends, and Blobbyland enthusiasts. The main attraction, however, was at the rear of the building where it connected to Blobbyland. Here, Mr Blobby could often be seen waving from the balcony, accessible via the pub's staff room. The pub remains open for visits, and rumours suggest that remnants of the 'Blobby wall' can still be spotted. 8. The chequerboard courtyard Mr Blobby, alongside his other half, was a regular sight entertaining crowds on their impromptu chequerboard courtyard stage. A mere white fence was all that stood between the kids and what was affectionately known as the "performance space". Post-show, the Blobby family would mingle with fans, sharing moments and snapping pictures. During the height of their performances, this corner of Blobbyland would be swarming with visitors. 9. The TV Favourites Water Ride A stone's throw from the Crinkley Bottom Post Office lay the park's beloved TV Favourites Water Ride. A perfect escape when the skies turned grey, this indoor aquatic adventure showcased a host of animated figures from David Aldridge Animations, the same team behind Noddy in Toytown and Longleat's Postman Pat feature. Guests would board yellow and blue 'TV Dreamboats', embarking on a serene journey through various themed chambers where familiar characters awaited. The experience began with a dramatic 'crash' into a colossal TV set, complete with smoke and lights to ignite the imagination. The Magic Roundabout chamber was a fan favourite for photos, bringing to life the entire cast of the cherished series. In 2001, Watermouth Castle in Ilfracombe became the new home of the ride, following rumoursof character thefts. For a trip down memory lane filled with images of Blobbyland in its heyday, plus exclusive content celebrating its 25th anniversary, make your way to Dunblobbin.
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tearful Noel Edmonds opens up on 'very dark times' that left him 'suicidal'
Noel's House Party star, Noel Edmonds, lifts the lid on his demons in Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure, in which he navigates life in New Zealand with his wife, Liz Noel Edmonds opens up about some 'very dark times' in his new series, Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure. The iconic presenter, 76, famed for Noel's House Party and Deal Or No Deal, is one of the most recognisable presenters in the country. However, in his new series on ITV in which he navigates life in New Zealand, with wife, Liz, the star admits he has, at times, felt suicidal. During last week's show, narrator, Rob Brydon, explained Noel's production company unexpectedly went bankrupt, hugely affecting the star's mental health in 2005. Blaming "some corrupt bankers" for the ordeal, Noel recalls: "My Unique group of companies was deliberately collapsed by some corrupt bankers. And I'm safe in saying that because my bank manager went to prison, along with four others, for 50 years." READ MORE: Noel Edmonds' £14million New Zealand estate where bizarre lifestyle keeps him young He continues: "When the companies went into administration in 2006, I thought I was a crap businessman. I thought it was my fault. 70 people lost their jobs." After 'winning his battle to get his losses back', dad-of-four, Noel, asked the Lord of the Rings studio to build him a huge statue of a knight, kneeling down, praying for his sprawling garden in New Zealand. Appearing emotional, before revealing he had felt suicidal, the star said of the statue he calls 'The Guardian': "He's praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy." Noel continued: "I'll tell you, when you go to that dark space… I used to, like many people, kind of look down my nose and think, why would anybody want to take their own life? Why would they want to do that? "I'll tell you, if you've ever been in that dark space, you'll never be critical, because it is a space where there is no reason." Following the emotional episode, many viewers took to social media, praising the presenter, who they claimed has "been to hell and back". One posted on X: "Say what you like about him but he's been to hell and back and is still standing and as someone who grew up watching him on Swap Shop and TOTP etc I'm a fan and will be watching next week." Meanwhile, another said: "Don't care what you say, I love Noel Edmonds!" Noel previously opened up about attempting to take his own life in 2005. Speaking to the Mail in 2017, he said: "I've thought a lot about that dark place I got to. Thankfully, it is beyond the comprehension of most people. "Yes, people suffer from depression. But it is not quite the same as the space you go into when all reason goes, when rationality and logic and hope vanish. "Life without hope is no life. There is no logic. How illogical, when you adore your children and family, to do that." *If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch
Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Noel Edmonds tearfully recalls being in a 'dark place' before suicide attempt
Former Deal or No Deal host Noel Edmonds has returned to screens with new show Kiwi Adventure, which delves into his life in New Zealand with wife Liz Noel Edmonds has opened up about the 'dark times' he's faced in his past as he makes a return to television. The former host of Deal or No Deal is back with Kiwi Adventure, a series that follows his life in New Zealand alongside his wife Liz, where they operate a hospitality business in the rural town of Ngatimoti. Noel, 76, and Liz, who tied the knot in 2009, decided to relocate in 2015 and made the move in 2019. Noel had previously spoken about the 'incredible spiritual pull' he experienced when visiting the country, which inspired him to settle there. The couple now own an expansive 800-acre estate named River Haven, complete with a vineyard, restaurant, wellness centre, and a pub cheekily named The Bugger Inn. In the first episode of his new show, Noel, last seen on our screens during his stint on I'm A Celebrity in 2018, became emotional as he reflected on his challenging past and suicidal thoughts. At one point, he visited a sculpture called Guardian, described by narrator Rob Brydon as 'a permanent reminder of a difficult period in his life'. "In 2005, at the height of his fame, Noel's production company unexpectedly went bankrupt, hugely affecting his mental health," Rob explained to viewers. Returning to Noel, the former House Party presenter gestured towards a plinth: "There's a description of my story here, for guests to understand why I had Guardian created. My Unique group of companies was deliberately collapsed by some corrupt bankers. "And I'm safe in saying that because my bank manager went to prison, along with four others, for 50. What they were doing was pushing businesses over the edge and then taking assets—that's basically what it was about. When the companies went into administration in 2006, I thought I was a crap businessman. I thought it was my fault. 70 people lost their jobs." Noel then revealed: "And I said to Liz, who was a fantastic support, 'When,' not if, When I win my battle to get my losses back, I'm gonna get the great Weta Studios, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, the real creative powerhouses here in New Zealand, I'm gonna ask them to build me a statue." Later, Guardian was created, with Liz designing the shield the statue holds to symbolise his legal 'fight'. Next to the statue of a man crouching with his head bowed is an inscription, which Noel says inspired him to construct it in the first place. "It was that inscription that held me together and motivated me during some very dark times," he confessed, with the plaque reading: "'The devil saw me with my head down and thought he'd won until I said Amen. The relevance of that is the knight is not kneeling in defeat; he's praying," revealed Noel. He then became emotional as he detailed just how severely the legal battle impacted his mental health:"He's praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy. I'll tell you, when you go to that dark space... I used to, like many people, kind of look down my nose and think, why would anybody want to take their own life? Why would they want to do that? I'll tell you, if If you've ever found yourself in that bleak place, you'll never pass judgement, because it's a realm devoid of reason," Noel expressed. He concluded by saying the Guardian statue stands as a beacon for those who feel 'weak,' 'disenfranchised,' 'marginalised,' and 'let down' by society. "He has not given up. You can feel it." With tears in his eyes, he grasped the sword and said: "Thanks, mate. Thank you." This isn't the first time Noel has openly discussed his suicidal thoughts. Back in June 2017, he revealed that he had attempted to end his life in 2005 after a fraudulent scheme by a group of HBOS financiers ruined his businesses. At that point, he wanted to 'end the overwhelming mental pain that had consumed [his] whole being'. "Until these criminals took me to the brink of emotional annihilation, I had always felt those who opt out by taking their own lives were selfish and cowardly... But having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope...," he confessed. Noel also made it clear then that he 'sought no sympathy' and 'felt no shame' in making this admission. In the end, Noel received an apology from Lloyds Banking Group, which settled a compensation deal with him following the fraud case. While the specifics of the settlement were kept under wraps, the Daily Mail reported that he received around £5million. *If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@ or visit their site to find your local branch
Metro
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Noel Edmonds tears up reflecting on ‘dark space' when he attempted suicide
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Noel Edmonds has reflected on 'dark times' from his past in his return to TV. The former Deal or No Deal host is back with Kiwi Adventure, which follows his life in New Zealand with wife Liz as they run a hospitality business in the rural town of Ngatimoti. Noel, 76, and Liz, whom we married in 2009, decided to make the move in 2015 before going ahead in 2019, having previously said the 'incredible spiritual pull' he felt when visiting the country made him want to settle there. Now, the couple owns an 800-acre estate called River Haven, boasting a vineyard, restaurant, wellness centre, and a pub named The Bugger Inn. In the first episode of his comeback, Noel, who was last seen on telly when he was voted off I'm A Celebrity in 2018, became emotional as he looked back on his tougher moments and feeling suicidal. At one point, he visited a sculpture named Guardian, which was described by narrator Rob Brydon as 'a permanent reminder of a difficult period in his life'. 'In 2005, at the height of his fame, Noel's production company unexpectedly went bankrupt, hugely affecting his mental health,' Rob explained to viewers. Cutting back to Noel, the former House Party presenter pointed to a plinth: 'There's a description of my story here, for guests to understand why I had Guardian created.' 'My Unique group of companies was deliberately collapsed by some corrupt bankers,' he recalled. 'And I'm safe in saying that because my bank manager went to prison, along with four others, for 50 years. 'What they were doing was pushing businesses over the edge and then taking assets—that's basically what it was about. 'When the companies went into administration in 2006, I thought I was a crap businessman. I thought it was my fault. 70 people lost their jobs.' Noel then shared: 'And I said to Liz, who was a fantastic support, 'When,' not if, 'When I win my battle to get my losses back, I'm gonna get the great Weta Studios, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, the real creative powerhouses here in New Zealand, I'm gonna ask them to build me a statue'.' Indeed, that's when Guardian was made, with Liz designing the shield the statue holds to represent his legal 'fight'. Beside the statue of a crouching man with his head bowed is an inscription, which Noel says is what encouraged him to build it in the first place. 'It was that inscription that held me together and motivated me during some very dark times,' he admitted, with the plaque reading: 'The devil saw me with my head down and thought he'd won until I said Amen.' 'The relevance of that is the knight is not kneeling in defeat; he's praying,' revealed Noel. He then became choked up as he explained just how hard the legal battle hit his mental health: 'He's praying before he gets up and defeats the dark force, the enemy. 'I'll tell you, when you go to that dark space… I used to, like many people, kind of look down my nose and think, why would anybody want to take their own life? Why would they want to do that? 'I'll tell you, if you've ever been in that dark space, you'll never be critical, because it's a space where there is no reason.' Noel concluded by sharing that the Guardian statue is there for those who feel 'weak,' 'disenfranchised,' 'marginalised,' and 'let down' by society. 'He has not given up. You can feel it.' Grabbing onto the sword, he tearfully said: 'Thanks, mate. Thank you.' This isn't the first time Noel has spoken candidly about his suicidal thoughts. In June 2017, he shared that he had attempted to take his life in 2005 after the fraud by a group of HBOS financiers destroyed his businesses. At the time, he wished to 'end the overwhelming mental pain that had consumed [his] whole being'. 'Until these criminals took me to the brink of emotional annihilation, I had always felt those who opt out by taking their own lives were selfish and cowardly… But having been cast into that bottomless dark space devoid of logic and reason, I have a much deeper understanding of life without hope…', he said. Noel also stated then that he 'sought no sympathy' and 'felt no shame' in making the confession. Ultimately, Noel received an apology from Lloyds Banking Group, which agreed a compensation deal with him following the fraud case. While details of the agreement were not made public, it was reported by the Daily Mail that he received around £5million. More Trending Lloyds acknowledged causing Noel 'distress' after corrupt staff from the Reading branch were handed jail sentences for the £245m loans scam between 2003 and 2007. Several businesses were destroyed as profits were squandered on prostitutes and luxury holidays. View More » Watch Noel Edmonds' Kiwi Adventure on ITV.
