Dee Time – A Swinging ’60s Talk Show

Dee Time was a popular British TV talk show in the late 1960s. It was hosted by Simon Dee, a charming and stylish presenter who became one of the first real TV celebrities in the UK.

What Was the Show About?

Dee Time was a mix of interviews, live music, and comedy. Each week, Simon Dee welcomed famous guests onto his show to chat and entertain. The show had a cool, relaxed vibe that matched the “Swinging Sixties” era in London. It was fun, trendy, and full of energy.

Some of the biggest stars of the time appeared on the show, including:

• The Beatles

• Lulu

• Cilla Black

• Sammy Davis Jr.

There were also politicians, writers, and other public figures. Everyone wanted to be on Dee Time because it was the place to be seen.

Who Was Simon Dee?

Simon Dee (real name Cyril Henty-Dodd) started as a radio DJ before moving to TV. He became famous very quickly because of his good looks, smooth voice, and relaxed style. He was often compared to American talk show hosts like Johnny Carson.

Simon Dee was one of the first UK presenters to act like a star himself – driving sports cars, wearing stylish clothes, and hanging out with celebrities. He even had a famous closing shot on the show where he would drive off in a Jaguar with a beautiful woman beside him.

What Happened to the Show?

Dee Time ran from 1967 to 1969 on BBC One. It was hugely popular, sometimes getting up to 18 million viewers. But behind the scenes, things were not always smooth. Simon Dee had disagreements with the BBC and wanted more control over the show.

In 1969, Dee left the BBC and tried to continue the show on a different channel (ITV), but it didn’t have the same success. His fame faded quickly, and sadly, he never returned to the spotlight in the same way.

Why Is Dee Time Remembered?

Even though it only ran for a short time, Dee Time is remembered as a symbol of 1960s British pop culture. It captured the fun, freedom, and excitement of the era. Simon Dee’s rise and fall also became a classic story of how fast fame can come and go.