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 multi-talented Burnett could play everything from a cleaning woman to a femme fatale, thanks to her lithe body, incredible facial expressions and that wonderful booming voice.

Also released in 1967

Pebble Mill at One

Broadcast from the heart of the Midlands, Pebble Mill at One was the comforting hum of British life. It carved out space for informal, magazine-style broadcasting that influenced everything from This Morning to The One Show

Also tagged Talk Show

Ask the Family

BBC quiz show which originally was hosted by Robert Robinson and proved surprisingly durable running from 1967 to 1984.

Also released in 1967

Variety Parade

Variety show that attempted to bring back the music-hall spirit of the Victorian era.

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

The Kumars at No. 42

With critical acclaim, multiple prestigious awards including International Emmys and a Peabody Award, and a lasting legacy, The Kumars at No. 42 was a trailblazer in British television

Also tagged Chat Show

Noel's House Party

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

Also tagged Light Entertainment

Ernest Maxin

Future Morecambe and Wise producer Ernest Maxin signs, dances and plays host to a variety of guest stars.

Also tagged Light Entertainment

The Colgate Comedy Hour

Beginning in September 1950, The Colgate Comedy Hour gave a number of performers, destined to become famous, their first opportunity to appear before a large television audience.

Also tagged Light Entertainment