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 a new car dealership, Kevin Dennis Motors, which was run by Kevin Dennis (Dennis Gowing), who also made the 'Update' television commercials in the 1960s–1970s, which were featured during the breaks of the 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 Melbourne businessman Kevin Dennis to promote his business. Australian journalist Derryn Hinch, in remembering Kevin Dennis, said:
Hosts Originally hosted by Frank Wilson from 1963 to 1976, and then by Bert Newton from 1976 to 1985, the show featured two judges, such as Bobby Limb, Geoff Brooke, Rod McLennan and Tim Evans.
Contestants and winners 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 Second-last 1965 Olivia Newton-John 1969 Liv Maessen Mike McClellan 1970 Daryl Somers John Williamson 1971 Paul Hogan Susie Coles 1971 (Adelaide) Mike and Keith Webb 1972 Shane Bourne Rave (Shepparton pop band) 1973 Maria Mercedes Col Elliott 1975John Robinson Showband 1976 Lyn Bryant (now Billie Wilde) 1977 Debby Jean (Baker) 1982 Martin Lass 1983 Keith Urban 1984 Michelle French 1990 Peter Andre 1993 Jerson Trinidad
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.
See also
List of Australian music television shows
References
External links