A “retired” Sooty used by Richard Cadell on TV for years could skyrocket to £2,000 for a space charity when it goes under the hammer his week.
It was donated by Cadell to the charity MajorTim.space which aims to encourage youngsters to learn more about science and space exploration.
In a letter of authenticity, Richard Cadell, said: “This signed Sooty puppet was frequently used on ITV’s The Sooty Show, CITV and ITVBe. He was my particular hard-working friend and tool of the trade for some years, making him rare. Please love him and take care of him during his retirement.”
Cadell became the ‘hand’ of Sooty after taking over from Matthew Corbett, son of the legendary Harry Corbett, in 1998.
Alongside Sooty, a puppet of his girlfriend Soo, is also going under the hammer at Hansons Auctioneers’ Etwall saleroom on October 23.
She is donated and signed by Soo’s voice Brenda Longman who still works on the ITV programme.
Brenda said: “Richard and I would so love this star of the programme to make as much money as possible for such a worthy cause. So izzy wizzy let’s get busy.”
Both puppets are set to raise money for the nationwide young people’s charity, founded in 2016 by Amelia Jane Piper, when she was just 14.
Now 23, she said: “My family has three generations of Sooty fans. I have known Richard Cadell for many years and Brenda Longman has worked with the charity for several years, as part of our lockdown series.
“We are a non-profit organisation and when Richard heard about the auction, he very kindly donated one of his personal Sooty puppets that has been used many times on TV. We are extremely grateful to our friends Brenda and Richard for their very kind support.”
The famous yellow puppet is signed on the inside “Best Wishes Richard Cadell and Sooty” and comes with a picture of Cadell and Sooty.
One of the charity’s young ambassadors, Ellie Taylor-Brewin, will be attending the auction on Wednesday fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The 10-year-old from Crewe said: “I’m really looking forward to meeting Charles Hanson and watching to auction to find out how much these amazing puppets sell for.
“Sooty is a great show and I’m really excited to see Sooty and his friend Soo auctioned!”
Auctioneer Charles Hanson said: “For someone of my generation Sooty and Sweep, with their mischief and slapstick humour, were iconic and I am delighted they continue to entertain youngsters today.
“For Richard to sign and donate a Sooty is wonderful, and the same is true for Brenda and Soo. I can’t want to see bidders get izzy wizzy busy and raise some money for this wonderful charity. It will also be a pleasure to meet Ellie, one of the charity’s young ambassadors, and show her something of how the auction world operates.”
The original signed Sooty with a photograph of Cadell has an estimate of £1,000-£2,000 at Hansons Auctioneers’ toy sale at its Etwall saleroom on October 23. Soo, signed by Brenda Longman, has an estimate of £200-£300 at the same sale.
Auction Details
Auction: The October Derbyshire Diecast, Model Railway, Live Steam & Collectable Toys Auction
Auction date: 23rd October 2025 | 9:30am
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
