Snippet, a lively puppet boy created by Joy Laurey, was entertaining audiences long before Mr Turnip — and continued to do so long after Whirligig ended. Cheerful and full of character, he compered numerous shows and quickly became a miniature celebrity in his own right.

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It was during one of Snippet’s performances that BBC producer Michael Westmore first saw Joy’s remarkable skill as both puppet maker and performer — an encounter that led him to commission her to create Mr Turnip for Whirligig.

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Snippet also appeared in several issues of Enid Blyton’s popular children’s magazine Playways, further securing his place in mid-century British popular culture.

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Although Snippet’s current whereabouts are unknown, the Joy Laurey Archive holds hope that one day this cheeky little puppet may resurface and take a final bow once more.