Hmmm, couldn't find many backup references, TEd - even the BBC let me down. Don't know what I pay my license fee for!

However, Ananova (http://makeashorterlink.com/?N2BA12971) provides a little further information - notably that hermits are "usually actors", and that the job is advertised in the luvvies' rag, The Stage.

I'm sure that "hermit actor" is an oxymoron; but I might be thinking epsilon minus semi-moron.

Have to say I'd enjoy the scaring people bit.
Only those pesky kids and their dog would be bound to spoil it.