Rainbows Zippy and George join the celebrities wishing Muffin a Happy Birthday – Devon Tourist Attraction
TV legend Muffin the mule celebrated his 70th birthday at Pennywell Farm Devon Tourist Attraction, near Buckfastleigh this weekend.
Among the celebrity guests joining his birthday celebrations were TV and Radio presenter Jan Leeming and actress Susie Blake.
Not all his friends could make it in person but Rainbow’s Zippy and George sent pre-recorded birthday wishes.
Muffin is owned by Will McNally, grandson of the Jan Bussell and Ann Hogarth who were Muffins original puppeteers.The puppet became famous in 1946, when Bussell and Hogarth were working with presenter Annette Mills. She named the puppet mule “Muffin”, and it first appeared on television in an edition of For the Children broadcast on 20 October 1946. The character proved popular, and ran on BBC television until 1955.
Actress Susie Blake, well known for her appearances with Victoria Wood and later in Coronation Street, is the granddaughter of Annette Mills, Muffin’s original co-star.
Pennywell’s owner, Chris Murray said, “We were delighted to welcome Susie to Pennywell. She enjoyed the farm as well as reliving some childhood memories with Muffin”.
Muffin is making four more appearances at Pennywell this year to mark his birthday on 30, 30 July and 6, 7 August.
