When Yorkshireman Wes Metcalfe discovered a dead worm on his cucumber, Tesco’s response was amusing rather than slippery.
Upon finding the creature, pressed to the side of his cucumber, Metcalfe took to Facebook, the BBC reported – to tell the supermarket why he prefers cucumber sandwiches sans-worm.
The comical exchange which followed between customer and retailer has made the story a viral sensation.
The tragicomedy of ‘William the Worm’ began on Saturday when Metcalfe posted on social media: 'Dear Tesco, yesterday I purchased one of your fine cucumbers to make my favourite dish - a cucumber sandwich.
'Upon opening my cucumber, I discovered a worm inside the wrapping. I excitedly shouted the kids downstairs to come and meet our new pet. We decided to name him William.'
A funeral for the worm followed, with Metcalfe reading out an 'Ode to William', posted to Facebook by Tesco's customer care team.
And the joke did not end there. Tesco also sent Metcalfe a worm-inspired cover of Wonderwall by Oasis and the trainee electrician from Sheffield replied with Worm Life, a version of Blur’s Parklife.
The Facebook conversation has received 90,000 likes, been shared almost 45,500 times and garnered 14,000 comments since Metcalfe’s initial post.
He told BBC News: 'I enjoy making people laugh, but you just can't tell what will go viral. I think it went crazy because Tesco's responses were so good. If they hadn't replied in such a fun way, then it probably wouldn't have gone so big on the internet.'
Metcalfe reoprted that Tesco had offered him a £10 gift voucher to cover the cost of William the worm's funeral.
'I think Tesco have more than made up for it,' he said. 'There is enough seriousness in the world.'
Metcalfe also confirmed he will start eating cucumber sandwiches again. Good news for Sheffield’s supermarkets.
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