Hacker T Dog
 | This television-related article describes a work or element of fiction in a primarily in-universe style. (January 2021) |
| Hacker T. Dog | |
|---|---|
| CBBC character | |
 Hacker is a border Terrier | |
| First appearance | 5 January 2009 |
| Created by | CBBC |
| Portrayed by | Andy Heath (Series one of Scoop only, 2009) Phil Fletcher (2009–present) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Dog |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Presenter |
| Nationality | British |
Hacker T. Dog (born 27 October) is a British television presenter.[1] He is a Border Terrier.[2][3] He was born and lives in Wigan.[4][5] He is the half-brother of Dodge T. Dog and is the son of Mrs. T. Dog (his father is never mentioned or seen).
Development
Hacker was introduced as a character of the CBBC television programme Scoop, performed by Andy Heath. The character became popular, and was appointed as a weekday-presenter of the CBBC office, in May 2009, now performed by Phil Fletcher. His "half-brother" Dodge T. Dog joined the following year. In July, he began presenting on weekdays with Scottish comedian Iain Stirling.[6] He presented with Stirling until his departure in 2013, when they began presenting with Chris Johnson.[7]
In 2011, Hacker was given a solo presenting role on a separate chat show titled Hacker Time.[8]
The character took a hiatus from CBBC in April 2014, which rumours speculating that he had left to film the fourth series of Hacker Time. During his absence, numerous guest presenters filled in for him during his usual weekday afternoon slot. Hacker returned temporarily on 24 May 2014, before making a permanent return on 18 June 2014.
Hacker is very fond of TV presenter Sue Barker and mentions her often in the CBBC HQ.[9][10] In 2009 Hacker was the mascot for the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championship.[11][12][13][14]
Hacker is known for saying ‘cockers’ - a Northern term for ‘mate’.[15]
In other media
Hacker, Barry Davies and Amberley Lobo provided CBBC commentary on the Russia v Belgium match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Hacker appeared on an episode of Celebrity Mastermind on Saturday, 3 January 2018. He came in second place and lost to TV chef Paul Rankin. His specialist subject being the Pet Shop Boys.[16]
A Hacker T. Dog plush puppet was released in 2015 and made by Kidz Kreations, and sold in Argos and The Entertainer. There were plans for other merchandise which unfortunately fell through.
Social media
Hacker gained an official Twitter account in 2014, which as of May 2020 has over 42 thousand followers. An Instagram account was eventually created in April 2019, followed by an official YouTube channel. These social media channels are run by both Phil Fletcher and the BBC social media team.
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2011 | Scoop | Himself | |
| 2009–present | CBBC | Himself | |
| 2011–2016 | Hacker Time | Himself | Presenter, 63 episodes |
| 2013, 2016 | Sam & Mark's Big Friday Wind-Up | Himself | |
| 2014 | Wimbledon 2day | Himself | |
| 2015 | Wimbledon | Himself | |
| Hacker's Birthday Bash: 30 Years of Children's BBC | Himself | Main role | |
| 2015–2017 | The Dog Ate My Homework | Himself | 5 appearances |
| All Over the Place | Himself | ||
| 2016 | Horrible Histories: Gory Games | Himself | Contestant |
| Hacker's Olympic Rundown | Himself | Main role | |
| Celebrity Mastermind | Himself | Contestant; 2nd place | |
| Hacker's Crackers | Himself | Main role | |
| Zig and Zag's Zogcasts | Himself | Guest; episode 17 | |
| 2017 | BBC Election Wrap | Himself | |
| 2017–2019 | Saturday Mash-Up! | Himself | Presenter |
| 2018 | Remotely Funny | Himself | Contestant |
| 2020 | Pointless Celebrities | Himself | Contestant; children's TV special |
See also
References
- ^ "Awards Database – The BAFTA site". Retrieved 27 January 2012.
- ^ "The Children's Media Conference". Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^ "Radio Times". Retrieved 8 November 2017.
- ^ "Wigan News :: wiganworld". 2012. Retrieved 27 January 2012.
- ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/joinin/cbbc-hq-presenter-profile-hacker Hacker's Profile - CBBC. Retrieved 17th October 2020.
- ^ "CBBC – CBBC Stars". BBC. Archived from the original on 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2012-03-02.
- ^ "Website". Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
- ^ "CBBC – Hacker Time". BBC. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Hacker's The Dog's Wimbledon quest". London: BBC. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "BBC SPORT | Tennis | On the hunt for Sue Barker". BBC News. London: BBC. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Wimbledon japes from CBBC's Hacker the dog – Liverpool Daily Post". 2012. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Tennis – Hacker & Dodge come to Wimbledon". London: BBC. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Tennis – Wimbledon day 11 as it happened". BBC News. London: BBC. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ "Today at Wimbledon – Dave Cheeseman | Cameraman & Picture Editor". davecheeseman.com. 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ https://www.wigantoday.net/news/hacker-t-dog-invites-stars-wigan-719276 Wigan Today. Retrieved 17th October 2020.
- ^ https://metro.co.uk/2016/12/19/hacker-t-dog-almost-won-mastermind-and-everyones-fallen-in-love-with-him-6333612/ Metro. Retrieved 17th October 2020.