Suffolk pensioner’s hair resembles Chewbacca, exciting fans, baffling herself.

By Our Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred

Suffolk retiree Mildred Shuffle has found herself at the centre of an unexpected Sci-Fi cult following after a photograph of her chatting with a friend revealed what many believe to be the unmistakable face of Chewbacca hidden within her hair.

The image, taken at the Sundown care home in Bungay, appears to show the Star Wars Wookiee’s famous furrowed brow, nose and mournful eyes rendered with surprising accuracy in the curls of Mildred’s thick, shaggy brown hairstyle. The photograph was shared online by a friend and rapidly circulated among science-fiction forums, where it was analysed, enlarged and annotated within minutes.

Experts remain divided on whether the image represents a rare example of spontaneous follicular pareidolia or something more troubling. Some fans have suggested Mildred may be unknowingly hosting a dormant Wookiee consciousness, while others argue the lighting conditions and natural curl patterns fully explain the phenomenon. No official position has yet been issued by Lucasfilm.

Once upon a time, in a hair salon far, far away

Mildred, 78, appeared largely unmoved by the attention. “It’s just my bleedin’ hair,” she said, adding that she has always worn it that way because it “doesn’t argue back.” She confirmed she has never seen Star Wars and initially assumed Chewbacca was “some sort of dog.”

Mildred reports receiving thousands of letters from fans across the world, many addressing her as “The Hairy One” and some written entirely in what she understands to be the Wookiee language, Shyriiwook. Several gifts have also arrived, including scarves, figurines and one small crossbow, which she has donated to a charity shop.

Organisers of the next major Star Wars fan gathering in London have formally invited Mildred as a guest of honour. She has yet to decide whether to attend, citing bingo commitments and concerns about “laser beams.”

As for the face in her hair, Mildred remains unconcerned. “If there is a little man in there,” she said, “he’s been very quiet, and I’d like it to stay that way.”

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