In 1989 ITV refreshed its afternoon children’s programming under Central TV’s Michael Jackson, whose company Stonewall aimed to replicate the BBC’s success with puppet co‑hosts. Jackson commissioned Scally, a large puppet dog created by puppeteer and maker Richard Coombs, who was also working on Spitting Image in the same Birmingham studios. Scally debuted in January 1989 alongside presenter Mark Granger, later appearing with Nick Owen. Because of Coombs’ workload, Scally was performed and voiced jointly by Coombs and fellow puppeteer John Eccleston. The character quickly became a favourite with viewers, known for catchphrases such as “Yes, indeedy!” and “We’re still here!”, and even appeared in a Look‑In magazine cartoon strip.
Scally remained a central part of Children’s ITV through the launch of its summer morning strand in 1989, appearing with presenters Jerry Foulkes, Clive Warren and Jeanne Downs, who later moved to the afternoon slot. His run ended in March 1991 when Stonewall lost the production contract and the entire presenting team—Scally included—was replaced. Co‑owned by Jackson, Coombs and Eccleston, the puppet was returned to Jackson and, aside from a brief appearance during CITV’s 20th Birthday Bash twelve years later, disappeared from public view until 2020, when he was offered at auction. The Guild acquired the puppet, preserving an important piece of British television puppetry history.
