Countdown host Nick Hewer in Morecambe for Mr Blobby TV show

Nick Hewer and Mike Whalley. Picture by Gemma Sherlock

The Apprentice and Countdown star Nick Hewer has visited Morecambe to investigate the '˜Blobby Land' affair.

The TV presenter popped in to The Visitor and Lancaster Guardian offices on Friday to film for BBC’s ‘The One Show’.

Nick interviewed former Visitor editor Mike Whalley about his memories of the failed Mr Blobby theme park in Morecambe.

The clip is due to be screened on The One Show next month.

Nick Hewer supporting Lancaster and Morecambe newspapers. Picture by Gemma Sherlock

The Countdown host stayed at the Clarendon Hotel in Morecambe and was also snapped in a local Sainsburys store.

Mike Whalley was editor of The Visitor when the doomed Crinkley Bottom attraction opened in Happy Mount Park in summer 1994.

At the time Mr Blobby was a popular TV character on Noel Edmonds’ hit BBC1 show ‘Noel’s House Party’.

Lancaster City Council struck a deal with Mr Edmonds to bring a Mr Blobby themed park to Morecambe’s Happy Mount Park.

Noel Edmonds gives his creation 'Mr Blobby' a hug during the opening of Crinkley Bottom at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe in 1994.

There was great optimism for the economic boost the theme park could bring to the town.

But the park was a flop and closed after just 13 weeks.

A bitter legal battle between Mr Edmonds and the council ensued.

The council eventually had to pay £950,000 in damages to Mr Edmonds after claims of misrepresentation and negligence against his company Unique Group were thrown out.

A 2004 report by the District Auditor revealed serious failings in how the council dealt with the matter and there was an estimated £2.6m cost to taxpayers.