When John Blundell and his wife Mercina bought a luxury holiday lodge in Norfolk, they imagined quiet escapes and peaceful countryside strolls—not shouting matches, court hearings, and police reports.
But that’s exactly what their time at the upscale Fritton Lake resort has turned into, thanks to a long-running and bitter dispute with their neighbors.
From Friendly Visit to Scarring Incident
It all began in June 2021, just a couple of months after the Blundells bought their retreat near Great Yarmouth.
The couple paid a friendly visit to fellow lodge owners Alison and Andrew Girdiefski to admire their home and skylights.
But during that visit, things took a turn—Ziggy, the Girdiefskis’ tiny Chinese Crested dog, bit Mercina on the wrist, leaving her with a scar that reportedly still bothers her.
A Failed Insurance Claim Sparks Tension
Initially, things stayed civil. There were dinners and friendly exchanges, the Blundells claim.
But when their attempt to claim pet insurance failed—because the bite happened inside a private home—the relationship soured.
The Girdiefskis believe this was the turning point, claiming the Blundells’ motivation became financially driven.
The Blundells flatly deny this, saying it’s always been about holding someone accountable.
From Lawsuit to “Who Let the Dogs Out?”
What started as a dog bite escalated dramatically.
The Blundells allege they were repeatedly harassed—filmed without consent, verbally abused, and even mocked with barking noises and taunts like “Who Let the Dogs Out?” They reported incidents to Norfolk Police, who issued Alison Girdiefski with an Acceptable Behaviour Contract, although no criminal charges followed.
Ziggy was also added to a police register of dangerous dogs.
Trying to Mediate, but Failing to Make Peace
Even Lord Somerleyton, the owner of the posh Fritton Lake resort, stepped in to help, trying to mediate peace between the couples.
But as the feud intensified, efforts to resolve things informally fell apart, and the matter landed in court.
The resort, known for its lavish amenities and celebrity clientele—including EastEnders actors and TV personalities—was supposed to be a slice of paradise.
Instead, the Blundells now say they return to their main home in Camden just to get some peace.
Legal Action, Hurt Feelings, and a Price Tag
Mrs. Blundell says a plastic surgeon estimated it would cost £1,500 to correct the scar left by Ziggy.
She says all they ever really wanted was a sincere apology.
But instead, they claim they were met with intimidation and threats—including one incident where they say Alison threatened to burn their lodge down.
Meanwhile, the Girdiefskis insist they’ve owned up to the dog bite and attempted several times to settle the matter out of court.
They call the compensation claims excessive and maintain that the lawsuit is unjustified, given the size of the injury.
Court Rulings and What Comes Next
So far, the civil case has resulted in rulings against the Girdiefskis.
A final decision on damages is expected to be made later this year at Norwich County Court.
The Girdiefskis are bracing for a bill of up to £11,000—on top of £19,000 already spent on solicitor fees.
Alison remains adamant the response doesn’t match the incident.
“These sums are ridiculous,” she said, “like what you’d pay someone whose face was mauled by a dog—not for a tiny 1.2cm cut.”
A Once-Charming Retreat Turned Legal Battleground
For Blundell—best known for gritty roles in Scum and Quadrophenia, as well as appearances on EastEnders—this is far from the peaceful retirement he envisioned.
What was supposed to be a charming countryside escape has become, in his words, “a living nightmare.”
Whether it ends with closure or continues through more courtroom drama, one thing is certain: this holiday feud has spiraled far beyond anything anyone expected from a neighborly hello—and a tiny dog named Ziggy.