UK Edition
Carol Lee Scott, the actress best known for her role as children’s TV favourite Grotbags, has died. She was 74.
The entertainer appeared in several children's programmes in the 1980s and early 1990s, including the Rod Hull hit Emu's World.
The popular entertainer’s niece Gina Mear confirmed the news on Twitter.
"My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you," she tweeted alongside a picture of Scott dressed in character alongside Hull.
The character Grotbags was a witch, whose distinctive costume comprised green make-up and a witch's cape and hat.
She originally appeared in Emu's World in the '80s. When that show was axed, she was given her own show in 1991, which revolved around Grotbags and her minions at Gloomy Fortress.
Created by Scott and puppeteer Richard Coombs, the show featured characters such as Colin the Bat, Doris the Dodo and Norman Nettle. It ran for three series.
News of her passing led to an outpouring of nostalgic tributes by fans.
Among those remembering the performer was comedian Rufus Hound, who said she was "an icon for folk of my generation".
"Very sad to hear of the death of #Grotbags Carol Lee Scott, thank you for making part of my childhood a magical and scary place," actor Andrew Joshi said.
Author Mikey Walsh said: "Gutted to hear Carol Lee Scott-Grotbags, has passed away.. I genuinely believed I'd 1 day get to meet & thank her for how incredible she was."
A tribute to Scott was posted on the official fan site for Grotbags.
"It is very sad that I have to report that Carol Lee Scott has passed away today," it read.
"A larger than life lady with a much larger heart of comedy, kindness and generosity!
"Carol was a great lover of music and comedy and one of the songs she used to like was 'Ain't It Grand To Be Blooming Well Dead' by Leslie Sarony and it was Carol's request that there be no sadness but music and laughter!"
The Somerset-born actress's early career saw stints as a cabaret performer touring clubs in the north of England, a London pub singer and as a Pontins Blue Coat.
She spent 19 years working for the holiday park company before collaborating with Hull on a series of programmes in the 1980s. The pair created Grotbags while performing a summer season in Cleethorpes.