| New Faces | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | New Faces Australia |
| Genre | Talent show |
| Created by | Kevin Dennis |
| Presented by |
|
| Country of origin | Australia |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 24 |
| Original release | |
| Network | Nine Network |
| Release | 14 September 1963 – 1985 |
| Network | Network Ten |
| Release | 1992 – 1993 |
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 a 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 primetime show.
The program began as a vehicle for rags-to-riches Melbourne businessman Kevin Dennis to promote his business. [2] Australian journalist Derryn Hinch, in remembering Kevin Dennis, said: [3]
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 Bobby Limb, Geoff Brooke, Rod McLennan and Tim Evans. [1]
Contestants would compete in heats, with the winners competing in finals. Many of its contestants later became famous, including Paul Hogan, Olivia Newton-John, Daryl Somers, The Hawking Brothers, Col Elliott, Julia Morris and Keith Urban.
| Year | Contestant | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | The Spinning Wheels [4] | Second-last |
| 1965 | Olivia Newton-John [5] | Unknown |
| 1969 | Liv Maessen [6] | Runner-up |
| Mike McClellan [7] | Winner | |
| 1970 | Daryl Somers [8] [9] | Runner-up |
| John Williamson [10] | Winner | |
| 1971 | Paul Hogan | Unknown |
| Susie Coles [11] | Winner | |
| 1971 (Adelaide) | Mike and Keith Webb | Winners |
| 1972 | Shane Bourne [12] | Heat Winner |
| Rave (Shepparton pop band) [13] | Winners | |
| 1973 | Maria Mercedes [14] | Unknown |
| Col Elliott [15] | Winner | |
| 1976 | Lyn Bryant (now Billie Wilde) | Winner |
| 1977 | Debby Jean (Baker) | Winner |
| 1982 | Martin Lass [16] | Winner |
| 1983 | Keith Urban [17] | Unknown |
| 1984 | Michelle French | Winner |
| 1990 | Peter Andre [18] [19] | Offered record deal at audition |
| 1993 | Jerson Trinidad [20] | Winner |
From 1989, Daryl Somers hosted and produced the program on GTV-9. [21] [22] In 1992, Bert Newton hosted the program on Network Ten, running until 1993.
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