Latest news with #MrBlobby
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Househunters spot brightly-coloured four-bed terrace on sale for £625,000 - but it's nothing compared to the inside
Househunters have been left stunned at a bright-coloured four-bedroom terraced house which has just landed on the market. The property, which has been likened to 'Polly Pocket's home', is immediately visible from the road, sporting a baby pink exterior with bright yellow accents. But if you think the exterior is bold, just wait until you step inside. The colourful nature does not stop at the door, and the interior is even more full of quirky trinkets and furniture in every colour possible, with the owner's unique taste evident immediately upon entering. It's a maximalist's fever dream, a celebration of individuality with not a beige wall in sight. The walls are decorated in ramshackle, mismatched frames, while the furniture itself is in bright neon and primary shades. Lampshades in various fabrics and patterns dangle from the ceiling, and even the bathroom is painted a vivacious yellow. The garden hasn't escaped pops of colour either, having been painted turquoise, pink and yellow, and decked out with various rainbow furniture. Love it or loathe it, this vibrant home on Bentham Road in the Hanover area in Brighton is impossible to ignore and it's certainly left the internet divided. One user commented: 'The inside looks like it's owned by Polly Pocket.' 'I'd take this any day over the greige,' said another viewer. Someone else joked: 'That's low key for Brighton.' 'Go big or go home,' another person wrote. Someone else added: 'You found Mr Blobby's house!' The listing, held by Wheelers Estate Agents for £625,000, describes it as a 'vibrant and spacious' home on a 'charming one-way street'. The property boasts four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two cosy lounges, a spacious and open-plan dining room, and a kitchen. One of the bedrooms appears to be being used as an office filled with fabrics, while a second room is equally pokey and could be used as a study. It's not the only property which has left those looking a for a new pad open-mouthed for its choice in design or decoration. A terrace house, in Boston, Lincolnshire, has hit the market for offers over £110,000, and has also caused a similar reaction Upon first glance, the three-bedroom house looks unassuming as the exterior is narrow and cosy with a traditional tiled roof. However, property hunters were left gobsmacked when flicking through the photos of the dwelling - questioning the interior-design skills of the current home-owner. As soon as you step through the front door, you are greeted with a rather bizarre choice of ceiling in the lounge. While many opt to keep their ceiling basic by opting for simple white paint, the owner of this property wanted to push the boat out by covering every inch of their roof with white fluff to create a cloud effect. As soon as you step through the front door, you are greeted with a rather bizarre choice of ceiling in the lounge as it is seemingly made from cotton wool The ceiling in the main living area is covered in what appears to be bits of cream cotton wool stuck together, with a flat white-tone light in the centre. This peculiar design choice is said to have come from a TikTok trend in 2020, when many started to experiment with DIY during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, some people slammed the current resident's decision to plaster the ceiling with cotton balls, claiming that it is a 'fire hazard' and that people have found nasty bugs hiding in the cracks and crevices of the material. A Reddit user posted the house listing on the anonymous forum platform and said: Check out the ceiling in photo two. I had a WTF moment. What IS that??' It racked up more than 100 replies, with one person writing: 'Oh my god this was a TikTok trend ages ago but people kept finding spiders and bugs in it.' Another penned: 'Cloudy with a chance of fire hazard.' A third said: 'That wall sticker in the bathroom is appalling even by tacky wall sticker standards. And stuck onto tile??' A fourth commented: 'If that isn't owned by a single man, I'll be shocked.' A fifth chimed in and said: 'What in the TikTok sponsored bachelor life is going on?' Others pointed out that the owner should focus on cleaning their fish tank, also which is also located in the lounge, as it is a murky brown colour.
Daily Mirror
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Haunting photos show UK theme parks abandoned and left to rot
A particular region in the UK has been home to some incredible theme parks but sadly many have had to close down over the years. Here are some of the most haunting abandoned theme parks Once filled with the sounds of merriment and glee, these once-loved amusement parks now stand eerily deserted. Independent theme parks have struggled in recent years, particularly against the likes of national giants of Alton Towers and Thorpe Bay. Just this year, an amusement in Devon had to shut after two months due to rising rent. Meanwhile, Oakwood Theme Park in Pembrokeshire – the largest in Wales – was forced to close its doors after almost 40 years. The company behind the group, Aspro Parks Group, said: "Unfortunately, we could no longer see a sustainable way forward and will seek to improve our other parks using the assets and where possible team elsewhere." Photographs have now captured the chilling sight of some parks in the South West that were left to rot after they were forced to close. Spirit Of The West, Cornwall Located in St Columb Major in Cornwall, the Spirit Of The West theme park was once a popular spot. The park closed its doors in 2009 and was transformed into holiday lodges under the name Retallack Resort and Spa. Retallack Resort and Spa is a five-star luxury self-catering holiday destination boasting holiday Lodges, watersports, spa, and entertainment. A few years ago, the Spirit Of The West theme park drew considerable attention when photos of the deserted park surfaced in publications such as the Mail Online. However, the former theme park has since been entirely demolished. Blobbyland, Somerset Inspired by the popular Saturday night TV show Noel's House Party, set in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom, Blobbyland was established at Cricket St Thomas in Somerset. At the peak of Blobbymania, the show's pink and spotty sidekick, Mr Blobby, was the star attraction at a theme park filled with rides inspired by him. Among the attractions were the Animals of Farthing Wood, a safari ride, a deer park, and Dubblobbin, Mr Blobby's house, painted in his signature bright pink with yellow spots and topped with a blue roof. However, the park shut its doors in 1998 due to falling visitor numbers. Despite efforts to secure the site, including blocking an access tunnel, it became a target for trespassers until it was finally demolished in 2014. Tivoli Park, Cornwall Nestled deep within a Cornish woodland, beside a scenic river, lie the overgrown remnants of a century-old pleasure garden, modelled after one of the world's oldest and most beloved amusement parks. The deserted fountains, arches, bandstand, and swimming pool, which emerge unexpectedly from the undergrowth along a woodland path in the village of Lerryn, are all that remain of the once-popular Tivoli Park. The park took its name from the renowned Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen. The brainchild of China Clay magnate Frank Parkyn, who was born in the village in 1850, construction on the elaborate park began around 1920, following his visit to the Danish Tivoli. Drawing inspiration from the fountains, the octagonal Glass Hall and the arches of Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, Parkyn transformed a large portion of his woodland into an ornate garden, complete with intricate structures and water features, including an octagonal pool. In 1922, Tivoli Park in Cornwall was unveiled to the public, serving as a fresh venue for the increasingly popular Lerryn Regatta. Despite its former reputation as 'The Henley of the West', the annual event was last held in 1968. While Tivoli Park remained relatively untouched until the late 20th century, nature has slowly reclaimed it over recent decades. Dobwalls Adventure Park A decade ago, the closure of Dobwalls Adventure Park marked a sombre day for Cornwall. John Southern emerged as a tourism trailblazer in 1970 when he transformed his pig farm into one of the South West's earliest tourist attractions. For over 35 years, trains chugged along two-mile-long tracks at the park, situated just a 20-minute drive from Plymouth. The site rapidly became a favourite destination for school trips for generations. Admission granted visitors access to explore the Krazee Kavern play barn, enjoy unlimited rides on the park's trains, visit Rocky Ridge's sand and water play area, inspect the locomotive shed, and experience the Steam Back in Time exhibition. The park's main draw was its immaculately maintained steam and diesel trains, with two tracks on offer - the Union Pacific Railroad and the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande track, which opened in 1970, boasted a four per cent gradient, making it the world's steepest climb on a passenger-carrying miniature railway. Due to its success, the Pacific was added in 1979, closely modelled on the real Union Pacific Sherman Hill line in Wyoming. However, a proposed redevelopment of Dobwalls, including a new arts centre, hit a snag, and the 22-acre site was put up for sale in 2012 with a guide price of £400,000 via sealed bid auction. In March 2013, Charteroak purchased the site, renaming it Southern Halt, which now houses a collection of eco-friendly log cabins. Kitley Caves Kitley Caves in Yealmpton were once a beloved tourist attraction in the Plymouth area. Over 20 years ago, they temporarily closed their doors, but have never reopened since. These cherished caves nestled in the woods at Yealmpton were a popular destination for school trips and archaeology enthusiasts for two decades. Despite being closed to the public since 1999, with little hope of reopening, the historic caves and grottoes along the Yealm estuary remain a significant landmark, having housed Bronze Age and Stone Age artefacts. Additionally, green marble was once quarried from these caves, some of which has been used in notable London landmarks. Ever since a Devon labourer accidentally opened up the caves, they've been a treasure trove of discoveries, including a 6,000 year old human bone and a lion. The caves became a tourist hotspot in the 1970s, offering self-guided tours through the intricate network from one end to the other. The two primary chambers were affectionately dubbed Bob's Cave and No Name Cave. However, in 1999, management concluded that visitor numbers were dwindling. After an impressive 114 years of operation, the decision was made to seal the caves.
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.
Scotsman
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Nine things we found hilarious in the 90s and noughties, but really weren't
1 . Mr Blobby Looking back, it's hard to see how we as a nation were quite so obsessed during the 90s with the bulbous pink, spotty monster who answered to the rather formal sounding title Mr Blobby. The mischievous character, who communicated using only his own name, first appeared in 1992 on the hit BBC show Noel's House Party, where he pranked unwitting celebrities. His destructive antics made him perhaps a bigger star than the show's host, Noel Edmonds, and he was soon everywhere. He even made it onto Danish TV, though it turned out Scandinavian viewers are more discerning and his stint there was short-lived. At the peak of his popularity, Mr Blobby beat Take That to the 1993 Christmas number one spot with his self-titled novelty single. Did you know that the man inside the suit was a classically trained Shakespearean actor from Bradford, called Barry Killerby, who reportedly called the role 'exhausting and demanding'? | Getty Images Photo: Bryn Colton
Scotsman
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Nine things we found hilarious in the 90s and noughties, but really weren't
1 . Mr Blobby Looking back, it's hard to see how we as a nation were quite so obsessed during the 90s with the bulbous pink, spotty monster who answered to the rather formal sounding title Mr Blobby. The mischievous character, who communicated using only his own name, first appeared in 1992 on the hit BBC show Noel's House Party, where he pranked unwitting celebrities. His destructive antics made him perhaps a bigger star than the show's host, Noel Edmonds, and he was soon everywhere. He even made it onto Danish TV, though it turned out Scandinavian viewers are more discerning and his stint there was short-lived. At the peak of his popularity, Mr Blobby beat Take That to the 1993 Christmas number one spot with his self-titled novelty single. Did you know that the man inside the suit was a classically trained Shakespearean actor from Bradford, called Barry Killerby, who reportedly called the role 'exhausting and demanding'? | Getty Images Photo: Bryn Colton
