Genre talent show Original language(s) English First episode date 1963 Number of seasons 24 Networks Network Ten, Nine Network | Country of origin Australia No. of seasons 24 Final episode date 1993 Cast Bert Newton, Frank Wilson | |
Original network Nine Network (1963-1985)
Network Ten (1992-1993) Original release 1963-1985 (Nine)
1992 – 1993 (Ten) Presented by Frank Wilson (1963–1976), Bert Newton (1976–1985) Similar The Don Lane Show, In Melbourne Tonight, The Graham Kennedy, The Mike Walsh Show, The Paul Hogan Show | ||
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 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.
Contents
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.
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. 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
Revivals
From 1989 Daryl Somers hosted and produced the program on GTV-9. In 1992, Bert Newton hosted the program on Network Ten, running until 1993.