Children's television actress Carol Lee Scott, who was best known for playing Grotbags the Witch, has died aged 74.
The entertainer appeared in several children's programmes in the 1980s and early 1990s, including the Rod Hull hit Emu's World.
Scott's death was announced by her niece Gina Mear, who wrote on Facebook on Wednesday, "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 xxx."
Mear also posted to Twitter saying, "My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you."
My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you 😢 pic.twitter.com/UORQ2MJjkd
— Gina Mear (@ggeenie) July 5, 2017
The news of her death 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".
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.
Very sorry for your loss. An icon for folk of my generation. Thank you for her.
— Rufus Hound 🌨 (@RufusHound) July 5, 2017
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, with the character first appearing in Emu's World in the 1980s before going it alone.
Also starring puppeteer Richard Coombs, Grotbags ran on ITV for three series between 1991 and 1993, with each episode following the antics of the green witch and her minions at her Gloomy Fortress.
