New Faces (Australian TV series)

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.

This article is about the Australian show. For the British show, see New Faces.

New Faces Australia
GenreTalent show
Presented byFrank Wilson (1963–1976)
Bert Newton (1976–1985)
Country of originAustralia
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons24
Release
Original networkNine Network (1963–1985)
Network Ten (1992–1993)
Original release1963 – 1985 (Nine)
1992 –
1993 (Ten)

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 Bobby Limb, 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
  • Peter Andre – Offered record deal on live TV auditions
  • The Spinning Wheels – Contestants; later recorded for HMV and had a number of records in the charts – 1964
  • Liv Maessen – Heat winner and Runner-up – 1969
  • Daryl Somers – Grand Final Winner – 1970
  • John Williamson – Grand Final Winner – 1970
  • Susie Coles – Grand Final Winner – 1971
  • Mike and Keith Webb – Grand Final Winners (SAS-10 Adelaide  – 1971
  • Shane Bourne – Heat Winner – 1972
  • Col Elliott – Grand Final Winner – 1972
  • Rave-Shepparton pop band – Grand Final Winners – 1972
  • Paul Hogan – Grand Final Winner – 1973
  • Maria Mercedes – Grand Final Winner – 1973
  • Lyn Bryant (now Billie Wilde) – Grand Final Winner – 1976
  • Debby Jean (Baker) – Grand Final Winner – 1977
  • Martin Lass – Grand Final Winner – 1982
  • Keith Urban – Contestant – 1983
  • Michelle French – Grand Final Winner – 1984
  • Jerson Trinidad – Grand Final Winner  – 1993

Revivals

From 1989 Daryl Somers hosted and produced the program on GTV-9.[4][5] In 1992, Bert Newton hosted the program on Network Ten, running until 1993.[6]

See also

References
  1. The Age 8 September 1983 – News Faces Turns 20
  3. The Age 8 September 1983 – News Faces Turns 20
  4. HeyHey.tv Cast page
  5. TV Week (Victorian edition) 24 March 1990
  6. New Faces (1992) IMDB
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