Doncaster actor creates working model of Doctor Who dog K-9 during lockdown

Ricky Butler, who has spent more than 50 years working in TV and film and rubbing shoulders with the stars, set himself the challenge of building the famed robot during the coronavirus shutdown.

Along with his son Prince, 17, the pair set about their task in March – but struggled to source parts with the world shutdown because of COVID-19.

He said: “I never worked on Doctor Who, but I had friends that had.

"I always liked Doctor Who and Tom Baker was one of my favourites.

"We started K9 in March at the start of the lock down and quickly we were struggling for parts."

Most of the electronics came from China – including electric moyores, remote control receivers as well as electrical equipment to operate the dog's antenna.

Added Ricky, who lives in Askern: "It is built from the original BBC plans and is fully electronic, remote controlled and the bodywork is made from plywood.

"It also has 3 12 volt motors for the wheels and even has an extendable laser gun under the nose and an extendable neck.”

The model even has a small iPad screen on one side, showing the dog’s sound waves and comes complete with 50 metres of cabling.

And after more than three months of painstaking building work, the job is nearly complete.

Added Ricky: “I just need the rubber sleeve for the neck and then it is complete.

"My son Prince helped with the hard work sawing and cutting out and the sanding down.

"It is an exact replica of the Tom Baker K9 but with a couple of slight changes so I don't breach BBC copyright.”

K9 made his first appearance in the hit sci-fi show in 1977 and there have been at least four separate K9 units in the series, with the first two being companions of the Fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker.

Voice actor John Leeson has provided the character's voice in most of his appearances, except during Season 17 of Doctor Who, in which David Brierley temporarily did so.

Ricky launched his career in the early 1970s as Ricky Stardust, DJ and entertainer, and was one of the first DJs working the night clubs of Yorkshire and Lancashire, then Spain and the south of France, touring with the Sweet, Mud, the Glitter Band, Billy Fury, Freddie and the Dreamers, Black Lace and many more.

During his career, he became friends with comedian Bob Monkhouse as well as big names in entertainment such as Ken Dodd, Lulu and Cilla Black.

In an interview several years ago, Ricky said: “I enjoyed my life in entertainment, but it really is hard work. That’s when you can get it! I’ve worked with some of the biggest stars in the world. Some were absolutely great, and some so far up their own backsides it was unbelievable.”