An original Mr Blobby costume used during the height of Britain’s 1990s “Blobby-mania” is expected to sell for thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer later this month.
The iconic pink-and-yellow spotted suit, one of only three original costumes created for the character, is set to headline a British comedy and memorabilia auction in Bristol on 29 June.
Auctioneum, which is handling the sale, believes the costume could fetch between £3,000 and £5,000.
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Mr Blobby first appeared on Noel Edmonds’ hugely popular BBC show Noel’s House Party before becoming one of the most recognisable television characters of the decade.
The chaotic character proved so popular that he spawned chart-topping singles, VHS releases, merchandise and even his own theme park attractions, as reported by Whats The Jam.
Auctioneer Andy Stowe described the sale as a rare opportunity for collectors.
He said: “Mr Blobby is a certified icon of British pop culture.
“This is the very costume that brought Blobby-mania to millions of people.
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“An absolute once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of pure nineties nostalgia.”
The costume was originally owned by the late Mickey Wills, who worked as Head of Entertainment at the Cricket St Thomas Blobbyland attraction in Somerset.
Wills was personally trained to portray the character by Barry Killerby, the performer best known for playing Mr Blobby during the television show’s heyday.
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During his time at the attraction, Wills is said to have performed up to seven shows a day, entertaining visitors during the peak of the character’s popularity.
According to Auctioneum, the costume also played a significant role beyond the theme park.
While the first two original suits were reportedly reserved for studio appearances, this third costume was used extensively for outside broadcasts, stunt work and filming.
It also featured on the best-selling Mr Blobby VHS releases that became staples of many British households during the 1990s.
Stowe said: “If you ever saw footage of Mr Blobby wreaking havoc outside the studio, it was in this very costume.
“During its lifetime it performed many stunts including running along Charmouth beach, and even dangling from a helicopter.”
The lot also includes “Baby Blobby”, a miniature version of the character used at the Crinkley Bottom attraction.
Interest in the character has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years thanks to appearances on programmes including The Claudia Winkleman Show and the UK version of Saturday Night Live.
Stowe added: “Mr Blobby is the undisputed king of nineties chaos.
“To have a piece of television history that is so deeply woven into the fabric of British pop culture standing in our saleroom is completely surreal.
“Love him or loathe him, you cannot ignore him.
“Mr Blobby is a national phenomenon, and this costume is the holy grail for anyone who grew up rushing to the TV on a Saturday night.”
Mr Blobby memorabilia has previously attracted strong interest from collectors.
In recent years, original props, costumes and items linked to Noel’s House Party have become increasingly sought after as nostalgia for 1990s television continues to grow.
The online-only British Comedy & Memorabilia Auction will conclude on 29 June, with bidding closing from 8pm.
