METAL MICKEY
PlayMetal Mickey
Published: Wednesday, 13 June 2007, 3:33PM
First broadcast: 1980
Stars: Irene Handl, Michael Stainton, Georgina Melville
Writer: Colin Bostock-Smith
The lowdown: This popular 1980s kids show, which went out at 5.15pm on Saturdays, follows the antics of the lovable silver robot, Metal Mickey, whose catchphrase is “Boogie boogie boogie”. He lives with the Wilberforce family and helps them around the house, often ending up in very funny situations. His biggest fan is Granny (played by Irene Handl), whose special pet name for him is “Fluffy”.
Memorable moments: Whenever Mickey is happy, the red electronic heart on his chest lights up and flashes – usually when he spots what he thinks is a female robot, but is in actual fact the family’s vacuum cleaner.
Trivia: In addition to his hugely popular annuals, lunchboxes and other merchandise, Metal Mickey had his own range of sweets called the Atomic Thunderbuster and sold over 90 tons.
One of the show’s directors was none other than former Monkee Michael (Micky) Dolenz. Meanwhile, the programme’s writer Colin Bostock-Smith also penned sketch shows and sitcoms such as Alas Smith and Jones, Not the Nine O’Clock News and As Time Goes By.
