Hicks also wrote the highly successful "The Earl and the Girl" (1903) and the successful "The Catch of the Season" (1904 with Herbert Haines and Taylor). Ellaline was pregnant with Betty, and so Zena Dare originated the leading role in "The Catch of the Season" until Terriss could assume the role. Dare's sister Phyllis Dare left the stage abruptly in 1905 and a Frederick Henry Wolfries spread rumors that she was pregnant by Hicks, and Hicks received written and verbal abuse for his alleged conduct. In November 1906, Wolfries appeared at the Liverpool Assizes accused of libelling Hicks, while passing himself off as Dare's brother. He was found guilty and sentenced to 8 months imprisonment.