You will probably have to be a keen collector or of a certain age to remember these little plastic figures. They were seen as a competitor to what was then Play People.
Summary
There is very little detailed info out there on Busy Bodies. We think they were created as Play-Big by a German toy company around 1974. In Britain they were known as Busy Bodies and manufactured in Swansea, Wales by Mettoy under their Playcraft brand.
By 1978 there was a full range including space, army, an emergency team, wild west, knights, road builders, winter sports and divers, with also a show jumping and school classroom gift set. A range of vehicles and other equipment and accessories was also available for each series.
Interestingly each figure came in a box with it’s own accessories and had a name. I clearly remember having Pete the plumber and Ed the electrician.
Where Did They Go?
Very good question. Whilst I remember these in toy shops during the 1970’s very little information about them really exists.
I would hazard a guess that the figures market diminished from 1977 as Star Wars figures dominated. Possibly they struggled in competition with the more established Play People and it seems they disappeared around 1979/1980?
Collectors’ Corner
These figures and their accessories pop up from time to time on Ebay.