New Faces (Australian game show)

New Faces Australia
Genre Talent show
Presented by Frank Wilson (1963–1976)
Bert Newton (1976–1985)
Country of origin Australia
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 24
Release
Original network Nine Network (1963–1985)
Network Ten (1992–1993)
Original release 1963 – 1985 (Nine)
1992 – 1993 (Ten)

New Faces was an Australian talent show that preceded the British show of the same name, produced at GTV-9 Melbourne. The program began in 1963[1] under the name Kevin Dennis Auditions, sponsored by the new car dealership, Kevin Dennis Motors, which was run by Kevin Dennis (Dennis Gowing), who was also a well known face on Australian TV from his catchy 'Update' TV Commercials in the 1960s–70s, which were featured during the breaks of the popular show. The program ran on Saturday mornings. The program name soon changed to Kevin Dennis New Faces, and later simply New Faces, becoming a Sunday night prime time show.

The program began as a vehicle for rags-to-riches Melbourne businessman, Kevin Dennis, to promote his business. Australian journalist Derryn Hinch, in remembering Kevin Dennis said: "Recently, I was asked to recall and record some thoughts about a genuine, almost (we thought) indestructible, Melbourne identity. Kevin Dennis. AKA, Dennis Gowing. He was a man who once (as Kevin Dennis) bought more TV advertising on more TV programmes than any person then or since.[2]

Originally hosted by Frank Wilson from 1963 to 1976, and then by Bert Newton from 1976 to 1985, the show featured two serious judges, such as Geoff Brooke, Rod McLennan and Tim Evans.[3] Contestants would compete in heats, with the winners competing in finals. Many of its contestants later became famous, including Daryl Somers, Paul Hogan, The Hawking Brothers, Col Elliott, Julia Morris and Keith Urban.

Contestants and Winners

  • Susie Coles – Grand Final Winner 1971
  • Shane Bourne – Heat Winner – 1972
  • Maria Mercedes – Grand Final Winner 1973
  • Col Elliot – Grand Final Winner – 1972
  • Debby Jean – Grand Final Winner – 1976
  • Martin Lass – Grand Final Winner – 1982
  • Michelle French – Grand Final Winner – 1984
  • Peter Andre – offered record deal on live TV auditions
  • The Spinning Wheels – August 1964 contestants. Later recorded for HMV and had a number of records in the Charts.
  • Daryl Somers- Grand Final Winner – 1970
  • Paul Hogan- Grand Final Winner −1973[4]
  • Rave- Shepparton pop band – Grand Final Winners – 1972
  • Mike and Keith Webb – Grand Final Winners (SAS-10 Adelaide) – 1971
  • Keith Urban – Contestant – 1983
  • John Williamson – Grand Final Winner (1970)
  • Lyn Bryant now Billie Wilde (singer) – Grand Final Winner – 1976
  • Liv Maessen – Heat winner and Runner-up – 1969

Revivals

From 1989 Daryl Somers hosted and produced the program on GTV-9.[5][6] In 1992, Bert Newton hosted the program on Network Ten, running until 1993.[7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ The Age 8 September 1983 – News Faces Turns 20
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ The Age 8 September 1983 – News Faces Turns 20
  4. ↑ IMDb – Paul Hogan (I) – Biography
  5. ↑ HeyHey.tv Cast page
  6. ↑ TV Week (Victorian edition) 24 March 1990
  7. ↑ New Faces (1992) IMDB
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