Tricky Dicky

Tricky Dicky was a short lived character on ZZZap! His strip was Tricky Dicky's Mission Impossible. He was played by Richard Waites, who also played Cuthbert Lilly. He only lasted throughout Series 1 (10 episodes; 10 weeks) from January to March 1993 and was the trickster of the show who made children do challenges.

His comic sound effect bubbles appeared in different colors such as black, white, blue and green.

His sketches involved him writing a challenge on his typewriter, that would then have to be performed by a selection of children. The challenges initially sounded simple (for example, having to pour custard on a pudding), but they featured a twist that made it more difficult (i.e. the custard might be in a wheelbarrow and the pudding at the end of an obstacle course).

The children would often give a black and white speech bubble of "Oh No!" and Tricky Dicky would hold up a speech bubble sign saying "Oh Yes!". Depending on whether the children failed or succeeded in completing the task, at the end of the sketch Tricky would hold up a sign reading - "Mission Impossible" or "Mission Possible" respectively.

Richard Waites also appeared as Tricky Dicky promoting Series 1 of ZZZap! on It's Not! in February 1993, for GMTV. This was the only time ZZZap! was promoted on GMTV programming, and was the only time Tricky Dicky appeared on other programmes.

Also featuring on the programme was Geoffrey Hayes from Rainbow (ITV- Thames- 1971-1992). This was Richard Waites' last ever apperance as Tricky Dicky, as It's Not! was shown live, and Series 1 of ZZZap! was recorded in late 1992.

Appearance and Character traits


He always wore a black mask, black hat, black gloves, black tights, a grey coat and black plimsolls. He would sometimes wear wellies in the event of a muddy challenge.

His face was never shown (apart from his eyes at the start of each segment) and throughout the challenge would let out a cackling laugh which would appear as "Tee Hee Hee, Tee Hee Hee" on-screen.

Reception
Even though Tricky Dicky was short lived, he is fondly remembered among ZZZap! fans.

There have been many rumours regarding Tricky Dicky's departure, some have said that he was deemed to be scary for younger viewers. Others have said it was because Richard Waites didn't want to play 2 characters in the show. Tricky Dicky was actually axed because of test audience's feedback. They felt the character of Tricky Dicky had run its course.

Trivia

 * There were nods to the character in later series, parts of his theme tune called "The Friendly Panther" were sometimes used in the Puzzle Page.
 * Tricky Dicky was last seen on television in the repeats of Series 1 in 1997.
 * Like Daisy Dares You, the last episode of Series 1 showed Tricky Dicky setting some kids the task where they go into trouble, but the plan backfired and the people chased him.