Dicko says 'yes' to Telethon

IAN `Dicko' Dickson was in Perth yesterday for the launch of Channel 7's new Celebrity Survivor series which launches around the country on Thursday night.

The former lad from the housing estates of Birmingham was in fine form as he chatted with the media at a screening of the first episode of the program in the rainforest area of the Perth Zoo.

Dicko agreed yesterday to come to Perth for Seven’s Telethon in October and with glass of wine in hand bantered with the media, chipping in with his own comments during the screening.

The opening scenes feature the former record company executive paddling a native canoe from the shores of Vanuatu to greet the celebrity survivors.

There are a few sniggers from the media at Dicko’s paddling style.

“It’s reality TV,” he says. “You only get one take, so if you get it wrong you’re up S*** Creek without a paddle,” he laughs.

Seven’s program manager Ray Wardrop jested that Dicko was in Perth carrying out a site survey of Heirisson Island for the next Celebrity Survivor.

“No, I’m going to do Celebrity Survivor Kings Park,” Dicko laughs.

After the screening, Dicko said it had been a privilege being involved with Survivor, which is one of the world’s big three reality formats, along with Idol and Big Brother.

He got his start in Australian television as a judge on Australian Idol and now as host of Celebrity Survivor he has participated in two of the big three.

“But I didn’t fancy being turkey slapped by some plumber from Dubbo,” he said, talking about Big Brother.

While Dicko was living the good life on Vanuatu it wasn’t so easy for the bunch of celebrities who were doing it tough without food or shelter.

“It was Lord of the Flies within five days,” Dicko said.

“And Imogen Bailey was as much use as a chocolate fire guard,” he said of his favourite Survivor.

“Imogen Bailey, the angry smurf came out all guns blazing because there was no food. She wanted us to get her agent.”

“Quite a few of them lost a few kilos – Paulini’s going on next year – just a joke,” he says of the former Idol contestant whom he criticised for being overweight.

Dicko also took a pot shot at politician David Oldfield who is one of the participants in Survivor.

“I believe we’re going to be seeing him later in the reptile house,” he said.

Celebrity Survivor goes to air on Thursday at 8.30pm on Seven/GWN.

Allen Newton
"Perth Now"
Sunday Times