It Takes Two (Australian TV series)
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television entertainment |
| Founded | May 2006 |
| Defunct | April 2008 |
| Fate | Ended after three seasons |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Grant Denyer (host), Terasa Livingstone (co-host, 2006), Kate Ritchie (co-host, 2007), Erika Heynatz (co-host, 2008), Marina Prior (judge), James Valentine (judge), Ross Wilson (judge), Amanda Pelman (judge), Chong Lim (music director) |
| Products | Television program |
It Takes Two was an Australian music competition television series broadcast over three seasons from May 2006 until April 2008. The format was adapted from the British show Just the Two of Us.
Concept
The program featured pairs consisting of a celebrity and a professional vocalist who competed weekly in singing duels. A panel of judges evaluated performances alongside audience participation through telephone and SMS voting. The combination of judges' scores and viewer votes decided which pairs advanced, with the ultimate decision resting with the home audience.
Originally titled Singing with the Stars due to its resemblance to Dancing with the Stars, the series was presented by Grant Denyer together with female co-hosts such as Terasa Livingstone, Kate Ritchie, and Erika Heynatz.
In every season finale, all contestants, judges, and hosts joined forces to perform the theme track "It Takes Two". By 2008, the Seven Network confirmed that there were no intentions to produce a fourth season.
Permanent judges
- Marina Prior
- James Valentine
- Ross Wilson
- Amanda Pelman
Music director
Guest judges
- Daryl Braithwaite (Season 2)
- Dannii Minogue (Season 3)
Co-hosts
- Erika Heynatz (2008)
- Kate Ritchie (2007)
- Terasa Livingstone (2006)
Season One (2006)
The inaugural season premiered on 28 May 2006 and concluded on 6 August 2006. It showcased celebrities partnered with professional singers across multiple music styles:
| Celebrity | Occupation | Professional singer | Genres eliminated on | Songs eliminated on | Final standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erika Heynatz | Model & television presenter | David Hobson | – | – | Champions 6 August |
| Sarah Ryan | Former Olympic swimmer | Guy Sebastian | R&B, Pop | "I Want You Back" by The Jackson 5, "Angels Brought Me Here" by Guy Sebastian | Second place 6 August |
| Mark Furze | Cast member of Home and Away | Rachael Beck | Swing, Musical | "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", "Beauty and the Beast" | Exited 8th 30 July |
| Kate Ritchie | Cast member of Home and Away | Troy Cassar-Daley | Swing | "Route 66" | Exited 7th 23 July |
| Richard Champion | Former AFL athlete | Wendy Matthews | – | "The Power of Love" | Exited 6th 16 July |
| Simon Reeve | Television presenter | Paulini Curuenavuli | Ballad | "Reminiscing" | Exited 5th 9 July |
| Michael Bevan | Cricketer | Jade MacRae | – | "With or Without You" | Exited 4th 2 July |
| Kate Fischer | Model & actress | Dave Gleeson | Rock & Roll | "Suspicious Minds" | Exited 3rd 25 June |
| Judy Nunn | Actress & author | Glenn Shorrock | Musical | "Luck Be a Lady" | Exited 2nd 18 June |
| Richard Zachariah | Journalist & TV presenter | Karen Knowles | Rock | "Gloria" | Exited 1st 4 June |
Judges' evaluations
- Scorecard key
- highlights couples receiving the lowest weekly scores.
- highlights couples achieving the highest weekly scores.
- identifies couples eliminated during that week.
- designates the winning pair.
- designates the runner-up pair.
EP = Episode
S = Swing, P = Pop, R = Rock, M = Movies/Musicals, R&R = Rock & Roll, N1 = Number Ones, B = Ballad, D = Disco, C = Country, PR = Professional Hit, R&B = R&B, FA = Fast, SL = Slow, J = Journey.
| Couple | EP 1 | EP 2 | EP 3 | EP 4 | EP 5 | EP 6 | EP 7 | EP 8 | EP 9 | EP 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erika/David | 26 P |
30 M |
31 R&R |
34 N1 |
30 B |
32 C |
34 R |
73 S, R&B |
73 PR, D |
112 FA, SL, J |
| Sarah/Guy | 25 P |
28 M |
26 R&R |
27 N1 |
30 D |
28 C |
33 S |
68 R, B |
61 PR, R&B |
101 FA, SL, J |
| Mark/Rachael | 30 P |
23 M |
28 R&R |
32 N1 |
31 B |
35 D |
33 R |
71 S, R&B |
64 PR, C | |
| Kate/Troy | 24 P |
26 M |
30 R&B |
27 N1 |
24 B |
36 R&R |
35 R |
66 C, SW |
The competition was won by Erika Heynatz and David Hobson, who triumphed over finalists Sarah Ryan and Guy Sebastian.
Average scores
This table orders couples based on their mean judges' scores rather than their final competition standing.
10 || Template:Sort|| Richard & Karen||34||2||17.0| Average Rank | Final Placement | Couple Name | Total Points Accumulated | Number of Performances Judged | Mean Score per Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Sort | Erika & David | 475 | 14 | 33.9 |
| 2 | Template:Sort | Sarah & Guy | 427 | 14 | 30.5 |
| 3 | Template:Sort | Kate & Troy | 269 | 9 | 29.9 |
| 4 | Template:Sort | Mark & Rachael | 314 | 11 | 28.5 |
| 5 | Template:Sort | Simon & Paulini | 161 | 6 | 26.8 |
| 6 | Template:Sort | Richard & Wendy | 183 | 8 | 26.1 |
| 7 | Template:Sort | Michael & Jade | 129 | 5 | 25.8 |
| 8 | Template:Sort | Judy & Glenn | 77 | 3 | 25.7 |
| 9 | Template:Sort | Kate & David | 88 | 4 | 22.0 |
Season overview
- The episode scheduled for 11 June was not broadcast because of the Seven Network's rugby union coverage, leading to no contestant eliminations that week.
- On 23 July, Larry Emdur filled in as host in place of Grant Denyer, who was engaged with V8 Supercars duties.
- Nick Lachey made a guest appearance during the grand finale on 6 August, delivering a performance of "What's Left of Me."
Season Two (2007)
The second installment aired from 8 May until 10 July 2007, showcasing the following celebrities:
| Celebrity | Profession | Vocal coach | Genres eliminated on | Songs eliminated on | Final position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolene Anderson | Actress from All Saints | David Campbell | – | – | Champions as of 10 July |
| Jo Stanley | Radio presenter | Anthony Callea | Rock 'n' Roll Professional Hit |
"Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry "The Prayer" by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli |
Second place as of 10 July |
| Mimi Macpherson | Environmental advocate & television host | David Hobson | Swing Film-themed |
"My Baby Just Cares for Me" by Nina Simone "Hanky Panky" by Madonna |
Exited 8th as of 3 July |
| Ernie Dingo | Presenter on The Great Outdoors | Rachael Beck | Rock | "Solid Rock" by Goanna | Eliminated 7th as of 26 June |
| Daniel Kowalski | Retired Olympic swimmer | Kate Ceberano | The 1980s | "Walking on Sunshine" by Eddy Grant | Left 6th as of 19 June |
| Bob Morley | Actor from Home and Away & The 100 | Jade MacRae | 1970s & 1980s | "Hold the Line" by Toto | Departed 5th as of 12 June |
| Julia Zemiro | Comedian and television presenter | Dave Gleeson | Rock & Roll | "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley | Removed 4th as of 5 June |
| Russell Gilbert | Comedian | 'Wendy Matthews' | 'Number One Hits' | "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry | 'Exited 3rd on 29 May' |
| 'Krystal Forscutt' | 'Model and Zoo Weekly columnist' | 'Troy Cassar-Daley' | 'Ballad' | 'Heaven' by Bryan Adams | 'Removed 2nd on 22 May' |
| 'Lochie Daddo' | 'Actor and television presenter' | 'Paulini Curuenavuli' | 'Swing' | 'Come Fly with Me' by Frank Sinatra | 'Eliminated first on 15 May' |
Judges' scoring
| Contestant/Vocal partner | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 61 | Week 7 | Week 82 | Week 92 | Week 103 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolene Anderson/David Campbell | 32 | 30 | 33 | 36 | 37 | 45 | 40 | 78 | 75 | 115 |
| Jo Stanley/Anthony Callea | 30 | 28 | 33 | 30 | 33 | 40 | 28 | 63 | 74 | 105 |
| Mimi Macpherson/David Hobson | 28 | 19 | 26 | 23 | 24 | 35 | 28 | 61 | 69 | |
| Ernie Dingo/Rachael Beck | 26 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 22 | 37 | 33 | 61 |
2Weeks eight and nine involved two performances per contestant, with combined scores up to eighty.
3The final week featured three songs per participant, with total points possible reaching one hundred twenty.
Average Scores Chart
This table organizes celebrities according to their mean judges' ratings rather than their final competition rankings.
| Average Rank |
Final Position |
Pair | Total Points | Number of Performances | Mean Score |
|---|
| 1 | Template:Sort | Jolene & David | 512 | 14 | 36.6 |
| 2 | Template:Sort | Jo & Anthony | 456 | 14 | 32.3 |
| 3 | Template:Sort | Russell & Wendy | 116 | 4 | 29.0 |
| 4 | Template:Sort | Daniel & Kate | 202 | 7 | 28.9 |
| 5 | Template:Sort | Julia & David | 141 | 5 | 28.2 |
| 6 | Template:Sort | Ernie & Rachael | 253 | 9 | 28.1 |
| 7 | Template:Sort | Mimi & David | 306 | 11 | 27.8 |
| 8 | Template:Sort | Bobby & Jade | 164 | 6 | 27.3 |
| 9 | Template:Sort | Krystal & Troy | 79 | 3 | 26.3 |
| 10 | Template:Sort | Lochie & Paulini | 42 | 2 | 21.0 |
Season Overview
- Laura Csortan and Candice Falzon attempted to join the competition but were declined due to insufficient vocal skills.
- Terasa Livingstone was succeeded by Kate Ritchie, a participant from the inaugural season, as co-host.
- The lineup of professional singing partners was refreshed with Anthony Callea, David Campbell, and Kate Ceberano stepping in for Guy Sebastian, Glenn Shorrock, and Karen Knowles.
- On May15, Larry Emdur temporarily took over hosting duties from Grant Denyer; during this time, Kate Ritchie referenced her earlier elimination.
- Daryl Braithwaite served as a guest judge on June12.
- Michael Bublé, the Canadian vocalist, showcased songs from his album Call Me Irresponsible on June26.
Season Three (2008)
The third and concluding season of It Takes Two was broadcast from February12 to April22, 2008. Erika Heynatz, the winner of the first season, joined Grant Denyer as co-host. The celebrity contestants for this season were:
| Celebrity | Profession | Singing Partner | Genres Eliminated On | Songs Eliminated On | Final Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julia Morris | Television host | David Hobson | – | – | Champions on April22 |
| Russell Robertson | AFL athlete | Kate Ceberano | Fast Slow Journey |
"Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" by Elton John "Home" by Michael Bublé |
Second Place on April22 |
| Virginia Gay | All Saints actress | Ian Moss | Rock Professional Hit |
"One" by U2 "Tucker's Daughter" by Ian Moss |
Departed 8th on April15 |
| Paul O'Brien | Home and Away actor | Jade MacRae | Swing | "Mack the Knife" by Bobby Darin | Departed 7th on April8 |
| Candice Falzon | Ironwoman athlete | Anthony Callea | Rock | "Hook Me Up" by The Veronicas | Departed 6th on April1 |
| Sara Groen | 'Seven News' weather presenter | Adam Harvey | Disco | "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe" by Barry White | Departed 5th on March25 |
| Chloe Maxwell | Television presenter | David Campbell | '80s music | "Crazy For You" by Madonna | Departed 4th on March11 |
| Scott Draper | 'Professional tennis player and golfer' | 'Ricki-Lee Coulter' | 'Ballad' | "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" by Michael Bolton | Departed 3rd on March4 |
Judges' evaluations
| Celebrity and Vocal Partners | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 51 | Week 6 | Week 7 | Week 82 | Week 92 | Week 103 |
|---|
Julia Morris/David Hobson 29 32 35 33 38 32 35 67 69 117 Russell Robertson/Kate Ceberano 31 32 33 33 36 36 33 70 72 109 Virginia Gay/Ian Moss 35 32 34 31 32 33 38 75 69 Paul O'Brien/Jade MacRae 22 25 19 22 23 19 30 59 Candice Falzon/Anthony Callea 24 28 28 29 33 29 28 Sara Groen/Adam Harvey 30 27 23 30 27 31 Chloe Maxwell/David Campbell 29 29 29 32 28 Scott Draper/Ricki-Lee Coulter 28 31 30 27 Mark Wilson/Rachael Beck 27 31 22 John Mangos/Wendy Matthews 21 24
1During Week 5, guest judge Dannii Minogue substituted for Ross Wilson.
2In Weeks 8 and 9, contestants performed twice each week; scores were summed out of 80.
3The grand finale involved three performances per couple, with combined scores out of 120.
Average score ranking
This table orders couples according to their mean scores rather than their final competition standing.
| Average Rank |
Final Placement |
Couple | Total Points | Performances Count |
Mean Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Sort | Julia & David | 487 | 14 | 34.8 |
| 2 | Template:Sort | Russell & Kate | 485 | 14 | 34.6 |
| 3 | Template:Sort | Virginia & Ian | 379 | 11 | 34.5 |
| 4 | Template:Sort | Chloe & David | 147 | 5 | 29.4 |
| 5 | Template:Sort | Scott & Ricki Lee | 116 | 4 | 29.0 |
| 6 | Template:Sort | Candice & Anthony | 199 | 7 | 28.4 |
| 7 | Template:Sort | Sara & Adam | 168 | 6 | 28.0 |
| 8 | Template:Sort | Mark & Rachael | 80 | 3 | 26.7 |
| 9 | Template:Sort | Paul & Jade | 219 | 9 | 24.3 |
| 10 | Template:Sort | John & Wendy | 45 | 2 | 22.5 |
Overview of the season
- Ironwoman Candice Falzon returned to compete this season despite previous concerns regarding her vocal capabilities.
- New vocal partners introduced this season included Ricki-Lee Coulter, Ian Moss, and Adam Harvey, who replaced former participants.
- Kate Ritchie opted not to join the competition this year.
- Contestants Scott Draper, Mark Wilson, Julia Morris, John Mangos, and Russell Robertson took part in a special edition of Deal or No Deal – It Takes Two broadcast on the Seven Network.
- On March 18, 2008, a one-hour countdown special aired, showcasing the journeys of the final six pairs without featuring any performances or eliminations.
- Dannii Minogue delivered a rendition of Xanadu during the course of the season.
Ratings
The first season achieved strong results for the Seven Network, enhancing Sunday night viewership and outperforming rivals such as Nine's 60 Minutes and Ten's Big Brother Australia and Australian Idol.
For the second season, the show moved to a Tuesday 7:30 pm timeslot, which had been traditionally occupied by Dancing with the Stars. The debut episode attracted 1.5 million viewers, securing a position within the top three programs and demonstrating continued value for Seven Network.
During its third season, broadcast in February at the same Tuesday evening slot, It Takes Two sustained its solid ratings performance, airing ahead of the subsequent season of Dancing with the Stars.