Sir Cliff Richard doll protects man's wife when she drives alone

A not so living doll is being used as a security measure on car journeys by a couple in Norfolk. David Stolworthy said the life-sized model of Sir Cliff Richard was put in his wife's car to make her feel less vulnerable when travelling alone at night. He regularly accompanies them on trips to the supermarket and friends’ houses, belted in the back seat of their Peugeot 206. David and Jill Stolworthy, of Old Costessey, have taken to driving around with the life-sized replica of the pop star in the vehicle, especially when she is alone, to give the appearance of a male passenger.



They bought the model head of the singer at a car boot sale and later decided to add a torso made from MDF with a cushion “to give him a bit of chest”. They then used one of Mr Stolworthy’s old navy blue blazers, which was destined for the charity shop, and a Norwich City Football Club scarf to dress the dummy. The model also sports a pair of aviator sunglasses – because they say his eyes are too intense to look at. “We got the head because we like Cliff Richard, Jill especially is a big fan, and it just escalated from there,” said Mr Stolworthy, 71.


YouTube link.

“We thought he would be useful for when Jill is driving on her own, especially at night, so it looks like there is a male passenger.” Mrs Stolworthy, 68, has been a fan of Sir Cliff since she was young and has seen him perform at venues across the country. She often plays his music in the car, with his replica sat on the back seat. “My friends and I are big Cliff Richard fans,” she said. “I have got about 22 of his CDs and some DVDs. I saw him when he came to the theatre in Norwich in 1959, I remember queueing up to get tickets.” In August, it emerged the singer had been interviewed by police over an alleged historical sexual offence, but was not arrested or charged.



The couple admit they have had plenty of people doing double takes when they look into the car. But not everyone has picked up on the unusual passenger. “When we got the Dover to Dunkirk ferry service for our trip to Germany, not once during the inspection by customs and immigration staff in either country was he spotted or commented on,” said Mr Stolworthy. The most common reaction from friends and family has been shouts of “Are you mad?” and “we are really worried about you two”, but the retired couple say they are just having a laugh and keen on making the most of life.