Ridgey Didge

Ridgey Didge was a popular Network TEN magazine television programme for children in Australia.

The title comes from the Australian slang, ridgey didge, which means honest, true or the real thing.

Format

A long running series of 52 minute programmes. Each studio based episode was intended to be an entertaining voyage of adventure and discovery for the viewers, constantly covering new topics reflecting Australian life and culture. Location segments added to the mix. Of particular note was a feature episode recording the creation of a time capsule to commemorate Australia's bicentennial in 1988 (the capsule was opened in 2001)

Presenters

Three presenters hosted each programme:

• Jared Robinson
• Rebecca Hetherington
• Simon Watts

They were joined by puppet characters, Shaun the Sheep (operated by Danny Carretti) and Buzz the Blowfly (operated by Simon Watts).

Regular medical slot presented by Dr. Glenn Singleman.
Regular art slot presented by Dean Taylor.

Catchphrase

The lyrics in the signature tune repeated the words ridgey didge several times which became a catchphrase amongst the target audience. This was accompanied with a hand gesture. The three middle fingers of the right hand were closed, leaving the thumb and little finger extended; the hand was then twisted from side to side in time with the rhythm of the music.

Transmission

The show aired between 1987 and 1989, Monday to Friday at 4 p.m. on Network TEN.

The competition

• Wombat - Seven Network
• C'mon Kids - Nine Network
• Play School - ABC Television

Production crew

Produced by the in-house production department based at the TEN studios in North Ryde, NSW, Australia:

• Executive Producer - Ian Fairweather
• Producer - Penni-Anne Smith
• Production Manager - Dawn Aronie
• Writers - Tammy Burnstock
• Location Director - Lou Petho
• Production Assistant - Deborah Kingsford
• Production Assistant - Michael Carrington