Star of 80s children’s television Carol Lee Scott has died

The much loved star of 80s children television, Carol Lee Scott, has died at the age of 74.

Actor Carol Lee Scott, best known for her portrayal of Grotbags the witch, has sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. A hugely popular star of several children’s television programmes in the 80s and early 90s, she appeared alongside puppeteer Rod Hull in Emu’s World for a number of years. Ms Scott’s death was announced by her family on social media, and the sad news has prompted an outpouring of nostalgic tributes by childhood fans who are now parents themselves. The English actor, who was born in Somerset in 1943, began her career working as a pub and club singer in the north of the country. Carol went on to become a 'Blue Coat' entertainer with the Pontins holiday camp group, spending 19 years playing at all of their UK camps as well as stints in Turkey, Portugal, Spain, and Scandinavia. Scott and Hull began collaborating as an entertainment duo in the 1980s, creating her famous 'Grotbags' character while performing a summer season in the seaside town of Cleethorpes. The Grotbags series was shown on ITV between 1991 and 1993, for a total of 29 episodes. Scott and Hull remained good friends until his death (following a fall) in 1999. The green witch's high-jinks and that of her Gloomy Fortress minions were an instant hit with children everywhere. Ms Scott often put her impressive vocal talents to good use and was particularly associated with the one-hit wonder Gimme Dat Ding.  Carol’s niece, Gina Mear, took to Facebook yesterday to pay tribute to her aunt:

"My dear aunty Carol lost her brave fight against cancer yesterday. To many of you she was Grotbags - a legend! To me she was just aunty Carol. I shall miss her hugely. Rest In Peace Carol.”