Noel Edmonds' biggest failure left rotting and abandoned as star launches new pub

Noel Edmonds relocated to New Zealand in 2019 and snapped up £15million worth of real estate alongside a pub he named The B*gger Inn. His new venture was shown on his new ITV show, Noel Edmonds: The Kiwi Life, which launched in June. But many will know this is not the first time he has given fans a glimpse into his life. Back in the '90s, the former Deal or No Deal host debuted his TV show Noel's House Party, set in a large house in the fictional village of Crinkley Bottom.

His supposed home, known as 'Blobbyland', opened at Cricket St Thomas, Somerset, in 1994. Its doors remained open for five years before ultimately succumbing to closure and eventual destruction in 2014, leaving behind only the haunting remains for those who once visited. Guests were able to explore Mr Blobby's residence, 'Dunblobbin', and could meet Mr, Mrs, and Baby Blobby at various live events.

Two trains transported visitors around the grounds and across the valley, providing views of the landscape and free-roaming deer. Additionally, there was a 'TV's family favourites' attraction and a high street featuring the Blobby Shop.

After Warner Leisure purchased the park and grounds in 1999 and started phasing out the wildlife element, the park shut down. It now comprises an adults-only hotel in and around Cricket House, with most remnants of Mr Blobby quickly removed or demolished.

The theme park's buildings remained untouched after its closure in the late 90s until they were stumbled upon by urban explorers in 2009. Their astonishing findings, documented through photos and videos, quickly spread across the internet, stirring up nostalgia among those who grew up in the 90s.

The intrigue generated by these images was so great that people began to flock to Cricket St Thomas in Somerset to sneak into the now-abandoned Blobbyland.

Despite efforts by the site owners to deter trespassers, including sealing off an access tunnel, the site was eventually demolished in 2014.

Noel sparked uproar with the locals, who accused him of "colonising" their beloved town after he relocated there with his wife. The village is home to just 2,500 people, many of whom were furious after he was given permission to buy 12 houses whilst also planning a restaurant, shop, and coffee house on his sprawling River Haven estate.

Despite trying his best to blend into village life, including gestures like footing a £3,000 traffic management bill for the local school, former ITV star Edmonds ended up at odds with some residents.

According to Stuff, a New Zealand news outlet, one villager said: "I feel like he's a coloniser. He's come in like [he's] the lord of the manor. He's got this attitude about how he's improved the place and made it amazing - it was already amazing."