Dee Time

Dee Time

1967 - United Kingdom

Billed as an "early evening scene" Dee Time starred charismatic former BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Dee in a series of hip talk shows in which he interviewed the big names in the TV and film showbiz-set as well as stars of the world of popular music. 

On the opening night of his thirty-minute programme he played host to Libby Morris, Lance Percival, Cat Stevens, Kiki Dee and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. 

Born Cyril Nicholas Henty-Dodd in Manchester, on 28 July 1935, Dee became the first voice on British offshore 'pirate radio' station Radio Caroline when it made its first broadcast during the Easter of 1964. His popularity grew steadily over the next twelve months and he was the first pirate broadcaster offered a BBC contract to do a show on the Light Programme.

At the BBC Dee's career flourished and he was soon groomed for a twice-weekly TV series (Tuesday's and Thursday's) before being moved to the coveted early evening slot on Saturday night. 

The show opened with Dee arriving at Television Centre in a sports car and accompanied by a 'dishy' blonde passenger. For a time it seemed as though Dee could do no wrong. He made several bit-part appearances in a number of British films (including the cult Michael Caine/Noel Coward classic The Italian Job) and seemed to be heading for a long and lucrative career. However, problems behind the scenes (including excessive wage demands) led the BBC to reconsider a renewal of his contract in 1969. 

In 1970 London Weekend Television made him an offer to present a late night, 50 minute, Sunday chat show (The Simon Dee Show). But by this time Simon Dee's star as media golden boy was beginning to dim and, amid further controversy, his contract was prematurely terminated after a few months. Following that little was heard of Dee, although he did turn up in the early 2000's on a retrospective 'best of' series that looked back on classic television shows, in which he reflected on what was -and what might have been. He died of bone cancer in 2009.

Published on December 7th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

The Flower of Gloster

Afternoon TV series about four youngster pilot a narrow boat along the canals from North Wales to London and their adventures on Britain's inland waterways.

Also released in 1967

Billy Cotton

Big band, big sound and big big personality - with a rousing call of "Wakey-Wakey" Billy Cotton introduced an inexhaustible 50 minutes of non-stop music, dancing and comedy in the essential weekend variety revue that was a stalwart of BBC programming for 12 years.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Danger Island

A 12-year old boy overhears two sinister men plotting to assassinate their country's ruler.

Also released in 1967

In Town Tonight

A magazine series broadcast simultaneously on TV and radio.

Also tagged Talk Show

Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons

In the year AD2068, Earth's elite Spectrum force is bought into action when war is declared on the planet by the Mysterons.

Also released in 1967

The Jo Stafford Show

Music and light entertainment show starring the 25 million plus record selling artiste

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Noel's House Party

Take a trip to the Great House at Crinkley Bottom with this essential Saturday night viewing.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

All Gas and Gaiters

One of the first TV series to poke fun at the clergy (albeit in a very gentle manner), All Gas and Gaiters is the fondly remembered sitcom that elevated Derek Nimmo to household-name status in Britain and also spawned two spin-off series as well as a radio show.

Also released in 1967