Launch of 'The Turdis' causes a spillage in Liverpool Docks

Joe Lycett had to abandon plans to unveiled a giant inflatable portable toilet today – after causing a ‘spillage’ at Liverpool Docks.

The comic had planned to open the fully functioning  loo – dubbed The Turdis – to the public today with the aid of TV presenter Jenny Powell. 

But the plans had to be scrapped because of a mechanical fault, blamed on windy weather.

A spokesperson for the event – designed to launch Lycett’s toilet-themed podcast, Turdcast  tomorrow – was quick to reassure the hundreds of locals who had come to watch the unveiling that the accident did not pollute the docks.

They said: ‘During an event at Liverpool Docks today, a mechanical fault occurred with a portable toilet which saw a small spillage occur. 

‘This was immediately dealt with by the support team on hand to ensure there was no impact on the water into which the spillage occurred. 

‘However, the event was cancelled with immediate effect as it was not possible for members of the public to use the toilet as planned. We apologise to disappointed fans hoping to attend.’

Fans had been invited to ‘walk the brown carpet, spend a penny/drop a plop and share their own loo-themed stories’, which would have been recorded for inclusion in the new podcast.’

Lycett said: ’In a bitter twist of irony, severe wind caused us problems in fully erecting The Turdis. I’m relieved to say the spillage was dealt with immediately so that the beautiful waters at the docks weren’t damaged. Huge thanks to the lovely people of Liverpool who made it down.’

Ah we thought it was just on a break. Ah well cocktails next door it is. #finishmeoff #turdis pic.twitter.com/HY6Qo78uW0

— Francis (@Fezmania) November 23, 2023

The comic had chosen Liverpool primarily because it contained the letters ‘poo’.

He explained: ‘I considered several aptly-named places to launch my toilet podcast - Hartlepool, Mudchute, Crapstone - but only Liverpool offered me the requisite lettering alongside proximity to a Nandos and affordable rates at an Ibis.’

The Turdis is scheduled go on tour to other suitably named UK locations  including Hartlepool  next Thursday and Ramsbottom on December 14.

Despite not being able to use the WC today, fans still shared their toilet woes for the podcast.

Gary Lineker is the guest for the first episode in which he discusses the now legendary moment he ‘relieved’ himself on the pitch in England’s opening game of the 1990 World Cup in front of hundreds of millions of people, Gazza farting during team baths and more. 

Lycett announced Turdcast last week, promising a ‘safe space for celebrities to flush out their most satisfying, horrifying and frankly awful toilet stories’.

He said:  ‘It's a side of life we don't hear enough from celebrities, whether that's due to shyness, modesty or sheer self-disgust

‘Famous people are just like you or me -  they sometimes find themselves experiencing a blissful quarter of an hour with a novel and a multipack of Cushelle, or flooring it down the M6 in a race against time to find a Welcome Break cubicle.

‘Let’s face it, most podcasts are just celebrities talking shit – Turdcast will now make that official. We've all got a toilet story to tell, and you'll hear them all on the No1 number two podcast.’

It launches at 9am tomorrow.

Published: 23 Nov 2023