Midday (Australian TV program)
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting |
| Founded | February 11, 1985 |
| Defunct | November 27, 1998 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Daytime variety television series |
Midday—often referred to as The Midday Show—was a daytime variety series broadcast on the Nine Network from 11 February 1985 until 27 November 1998. Scheduled on weekdays at noon, this 90-minute program offered a blend of interviews, musical performances, and comedy segments, taking over the lunchtime slot previously held by The Mike Walsh Show.
Ray Martin (1985–1993)
After Mike Walsh's exit, journalist Ray Martin was chosen as the new host in 1985. Initially named The Midday Show with Ray Martin, the title was later abbreviated to Midday with Ray Martin and then Ray Martin at Midday. Despite early skepticism, Martin swiftly became a popular figure and an essential part of the program’s success.
Among the memorable events during Martin’s period was a notable on-air confrontation in 1991 involving former pop singer Normie Rowe and broadcaster Ron Casey. The on-screen ensemble included musical director Geoff Harvey, comedians Graham Pugh, Ross Daniels, Ewan Campbell, trumpeter Bob Bouffler, and future Big Brother host Gretel Killeen.
Martin remained as host until late 1993 before transitioning to A Current Affair, which was experiencing a decline in viewership. His tenure earned him three Gold Logie awards (1987, 1993, 1994) along with several nominations. During this era, musician Jean Stafford frequently appeared, contributing over 47 performances.
Derryn Hinch (1994)
Following Martin’s departure to A Current Affair, Derryn Hinch took over hosting duties after leaving his own show on the Ten Network. The program partially reverted to its earlier name as Midday With Derryn Hinch. Hinch’s appointment surprised many due to his reputation for a tough interview style; however, he adopted a more gentle approach while hosting. Despite these changes, falling ratings led to the show's cancellation by the close of 1994. While Hinch was prepared to resign, network executives clarified that the cancellation targeted the show itself rather than his role as host.
Tracy Grimshaw and David Reyne (1995)
After the program ended in 1994, Nine Network reintroduced Midday six months later with a reduced budget and a shorter duration of one hour. This version featured a more conventional format without the live band or variety components typical of earlier editions. Hosts considered included Larry Emdur, Richard Wilkins, and Monte Dwyer, but ultimately Tracy Grimshaw and David Reyne were selected as co-hosts. However, within half a year, the show underwent another revamp aiming to recapture the successful style reminiscent of Mike Walsh and Ray Martin’s periods.
Kerri-Anne Kennerley (1996–1998)
In 1996, Kerri-Anne Kennerley assumed hosting responsibilities for the refreshed show, retitled Midday with Kerri-Anne. Musical director Geoff Harvey returned from semi-retirement leading a smaller six-piece band instead of the previous full orchestra. Kennerley’s lively presentation style—including her interactive engagement with guests—initially improved viewership figures. She received three consecutive Gold Logie nominations and was credited with breathing new life into Midday. Nevertheless, ongoing competition from high-rating imported programs and financial limitations resulted in the show’s termination at the end of 1998.
The concluding episode aired on 27 November 1998, extending for 150 minutes and featuring appearances by guests such as Maggie Tabberer, Brian Bury, Doug Mulray, Derryn Hinch, Don Lane, Ron Casey, Barry Crocker, and Dame Edna.
Guest presenters
On occasion, the show welcomed guest hosts drawn from other programs on the Nine Network. A notable instance occurred on 30 August 1985, when then-deputy opposition leader John Howard stepped in as host after opposition leader Andrew Peacock declined the role. During his episode, Howard invited guests such as political commentators Richard Carleton and Laurie Oakes, cricketer Bill O'Reilly, and actress Carmen Duncan.
Howard's hosting stint took place shortly before the 1985 Liberal Party leadership spill, which ultimately led to him replacing Peacock as party leader.
Awards
Throughout its run, the program and its presenters earned numerous Logie awards. Among these accolades were three Gold Logie trophies awarded to Ray Martin in 1987, 1993, and 1994. Both Martin and Kerri-Anne Kennerley received a total of seven nominations combined.
Together, Midday and its predecessor The Mike Walsh Show amassed a total of 24 Logie Awards for the Nine Network.
Post-Midday developments and legacy
Following the conclusion of Midday in November 1998, Kerri-Anne Kennerley co-hosted the culinary series What's Cooking in 1999. The show alternated between interviews and cooking demonstrations led by Geoff Jansz. Due to poor reception, it was cancelled, prompting Kennerley's exit from Nine amid critiques regarding the program's direction. She later returned to Nine to front Mornings with Kerri-Anne, a morning talk format reminiscent of Midday, albeit with fewer live audience members and a significant presence of infomercial segments. This show was ultimately succeeded in 2012 by Today Extra, initially hosted by David Campbell and Sonia Kruger, with Sylvia Jeffreys replacing Kruger in 2019.
Midday holds a distinguished place in Australian television history for its unforgettable moments, such as a controversial chainsaw juggling performance and a 1996 episode where Kerri-Anne Kennerley convinced Federal Treasurer Peter Costello to perform the Macarena dance.
In 2020, media figure Lisa Wilkinson shared an account of a strained encounter with Nine executive Kerry Packer following her appearance on Midday as editor of Cleo. The tension arose after she decided to eliminate the magazine’s nude centrefold feature without prior discussion.
Rumors surfaced in 2019 suggesting that the Seven Network was contemplating a revival of their own version of Midday. That same year, Nine introduced Australia's Top 10 Of Everything, a nostalgia-driven series showcasing highlights from flagship programs including frequent reruns of Midday.
Sustained public interest has also been maintained due to ongoing tensions between former hosts Derryn Hinch and Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
In 2020, there was speculation about Nine potentially relaunching Midday, possibly featuring Kerri-Anne Kennerley alongside Samantha Armytage as co-hosts. Any such revival would likely mirror the format of Today Extra, focusing more on infomercial content rather than replicating the variety style characteristic of the show’s original run in the 1980s and 1990s.