Description

Worzel Gummidge is a scarecrow in British children’s fiction, who originally appeared in a series of books by the English novelist Barbara Euphan Todd. It was the first story book published by Puffin Books.

The books have been adapted for radio and television a number of times. Frank Atkinson was the first person to play the role in the 1953 BBC children’s television series Worzel Gummidge Turns Detective. Former Doctor Who actor Jon Pertwee took the lead role from 1979 to 1981 in Worzel Gummidge, produced by Southern Television for ITV in the UK. Pertwee reprised the role later in a New Zealand version (1987–1989). For the Pertwee series, the character had a set of interchangeable turnip, mangelwurzel and swede heads, each of which suited a particular occasion or endowed him with a specific skill.

In 2019 the character returned to the screen in the BBC series Worzel Gummidge starring Mackenzie Crook in the title role.