The Official David Dickinson Website
The Duke's Christmas Speech

David Dickinson has had a phenomenal year. 2002 has been full of success for him and since accepting the National Television Award as presenter of Bargain Hunt voted the 'Most Popular Daytime Show' he has been highly in demand. He took time out of his hectic Christmas calendar to make a special address to his fans and all the visitors to his site. Here's what he had to say.

I want to thank you all for your support. I have had a brilliant year and none of it would have been possible without you. It is my popularity that has lead to my commercial appeal. My fans are always at the top of my list, you are the most important people in my career.

I took the opportunity to ask David some questions about his year and also put forward some of your questions.

Q: You've enjoyed an excellent year as regards your TV career. What do you consider the highlights?

So many wonderful things have happened to me this year but I would have to say the highlight of 2002 was receiving The National Television Award. The award is very special because it is voted for by the public and I know so many genuine people voted for me. It was the culmination of three years of hard work and the award was the icing on the cake.

I also found the live shows very stimulating. There's a lot of pressure but the experience is so thrilling and very rewarding. It's like being on a roller coaster at times and just hoping you don't fall off.

My success has given me the opportunity to meet a lot of fabulous people in the business. I enjoyed being a guest on the Johnny Vaughan Show. Johnny was very generous to me and had me back a couple of times. I really enjoyed meeting Shaggy. I've just been on the Jonathan Ross Radio Show and that was a lot of fun as was dueting with Frank Skinner on his show. I must be the most imitated man on TV at the moment. I must say that when I was filming the Christmas Special with the Bargain Hunt team I found it really eerie watching Mark Perry acting as me!
I do owe a special thanks to Chris Moyles. He's a regular guy and he has gone out of his way to promote me and Bargain Hunt.

Q: Do have a traditional Christmas?

Oh yes! Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without all the trimmings. The kids come round and I carve the turkey. I'll be relaxing and enjoying a traditional whisky and some good wine with the meal.

Q: Will you and Lorne exchange surprise gifts?

Well actually she knows what I've got her for Christmas this year. She's not daft, she's gone out and selected a coat and I'm paying for it. I'm hoping I won't get my fourth pair of slippers. But yes there will be surprise gifts too, we like to keep up the romance.

Q: What gift would you most like to find in your Christmas cracker?

Well I'd wish for the new Astin Martin Vanquish but I don't suppose it would fit in a cracker. But the car's keys would, nudge nudge wink wink, Big Hint!

Q: What are your memories of Christmas as a child?

I have wonderful memories of my childhood. I remember the excitement of going to bed on Christmas eve, hanging up my pillow case at the end of the bed and waiting to see what presents would be there in the morning. We didn't have a lot of money but as a child it didn't matter the presents were wonderful, games, always an annual and a mars selection. Then on Christmas day the aunts and uncles would all gather at the house and we'd play snakes and ladders and tiddly winks. Then before lunch the men would be off to the local pub, as they set out there'd always be a cry from the women of 'don't you be late' and of course they always did return twenty minutes late with rosy cheeks. Then my aunties would scold them that the cabbage was overdone. As a child I came to realise it was all part of the tradition. Throughout the day I was always the one wanting more food, more chocolate, more trifle until by the end of the night I was the one wanting the bucket to be sick in because I had stuffed myself so full.

But I must say that one of my residing memories of Christmas time was helping my Granny make the Christmas cake in November. And then when it came time to lay on the marzipan top and ice it, Granny would carefully unwrap the decorations for the top of the cake; robins, a Father Christmas which we used every year. Even the band that went around the cake was always carefully put away every year to be used again the next. It's those little traditions that make Christmas so special.

Q: David Dickinson in the kitchen! I heard you have been filming a cookery programme?

Yes! The BBC have been round filming in our kitchen here at home for a show called 'The Nation's Favourite Food' on BBC2.
It's all a bit tongue in cheek, Lorne does all the cooking in our house.

Q: What colour pajamas will you be wearing this year when Santa comes to call?

Well this information is only for the fans, but I don't actually wear pajamas! I wear baggy T-shirts that Lorne buys for me. Sometimes she buys me ones with Teddy Bears on! Actually there was a potentially embarrassing time when I was away filming Bargain Hunt and left my T shirt at the hotel!

Fans Questions:

Q: How does it feel to have a cult following? (Big Mullet)

Wonderful! Fabulous! I've just done a public appearance and was overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception I received and the number of fans who turned up. I don't take my status too seriously but people do show a lot of endearment and of course I appreciate that.

Q: Do fans send you unusual gifts? (A Simms)

I wouldn't say unusual. I do receive a lot of mail from fans, and I think the poems and letters they write are wonderful.

Q: Would you ever consider a new hairstyle (Cath Kirrane)

I've thought about going a bit shorter a bit spikier, we'll see.

Q: Career wise what does the future hold for The Duke?

I will continue making Bargain Hunt. That is my core programme. I want the fans to know that it was a tough decision to take leaving daytime Bargain Hunt. I simply couldn't continue to make the daytime shows and take on the prime time slot, it wasn't humanly possible. So after a lot of deliberation I decided to give the prime time slot a go and try my hand with the big boys. It was a challenge and an opportunity I couldn't really turn down and I hope it will lead to more opportunities in the future. I would like to branch out and try on another hat, but still something involving the general public. Maybe a dating show with young people or something with students.

Thank you David for participating in this interview. We wish you success in whatever you do and send our regards to Lorne.

Thank you. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Merry Christmas Everyone from all at www.david-dickinson.net

Copyright © 2002-2003, Fiona Scruton

Email Me: fiona@david-dickinson.net