Simon Dee

One attempt to relaunch Simon Dee was made in 1971 by ATV, who wanted him to chair a series of programmes on the Decalogue, writes Anthony Phillips (obituary, 2 September).

I was engaged as consultant to write the weekly introduction for Dee and beforehand to direct the panel, which changed each week, on their approach to that week's commandment. We met at Elstree to sign our contracts.

Dee immediately started making extra demands of the producer which he could not meet. He then lost his temper, angrily accused the producer's secretary of "fancying him", tore up his contract and stormed out.

The late Mike Raven (Michael Fairman) replaced him and the series proved a considerable success.