Crazy aliens from Zog (where the hell is Zog??), a very opinionated turkey, a psycho teddy bear, a Sock Monster and of course, the King of Childrens Programming, Ray D’Arcy, just some of the many reasons which made the Den the greatest kids programme ever. Ever look at the current generation in pity? Keep your Hannah Montana, we had Zig and Zag.
1. Zig and Zag
That is all. Zig and Zag. The greatest Irish export of all time.
2. Ian Dempsey – King of the Constant Laughers
Ever had to spend 3 hours with a couple of puppet aliens and make it look like you were talking to real people? No? Dempsey has. And he looked credible doing it…
3. Ray D’Arcy – The Best Kids Presenter Ever. No really, ever.
How he held it together over the years we will never know but to most of the generation who watched the Den (and for their parents) Ray D’Arcy was a gift to children’s programming.
4. Dustin the Turkey – Top Man
By the time Dustin made his appearance on the Den, the funny puppet thing had worn itself a little thin but the mouthy turkey changed all that. For the first time, a puppet was making jokes for both adults and children alike and was hugely popular with both. No RTE personality escaped the Dubliners wit and victims, who often made public replies, included Anne Doyle, Twink, Gay Byrne and Pat Kenny…
5. Podge – Oh Really…
Over the years Dempsey’s Den, The Den and Den Tv introduced a range of guest characters and new friends like Snotser, Socky, Dustin and Ted. Without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest guest appearances were always from Podge, the evil friend who pretended to be all sweetness and light… “Oh really….”
6. Ted
Rumour has it that Ted was only brought out for Ray whenever he was slightly worse for wear after a night out on the tiles. Many sat at the edge of their couches on intervals between programmes waiting for an attack from the oversized teddy. Some still do….sigh
7. Because of this clip – Kevin in Co. Galway
Poor Kevin had to figure out who Snotser was… Poor Kevin didn’t quite get the concept.
