Born Cyril Nicholas Henty-Dodd in Ottawa, Canada, on 28th July 1935, Dee came to Britain at the age of 11 and 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 accompanied by a 'dishy' blonde passenger.
He made several bit-part appearances in a number of British films (including the cult Michael Caine/Noel Coward classic The Italian Job).