New Faces (Australian TV series)

New Faces

Company type	Television program
Industry	Entertainment, Television
Founded	1963
Founder	Kevin Dennis (Dennis Gowing)
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Area served	Australia
Key people	Frank Wilson (host 1963–1976), Bert Newton (host 1976–1985, 1992–1993), Daryl Somers (host and producer from 1989)
Products	Talent show

New Faces was an Australian talent show created at GTV-9 Melbourne, debuting in 1963 under the name Kevin Dennis Auditions. The program was backed by Kevin Dennis Motors, a car dealership established by entrepreneur Kevin Dennis (Dennis Gowing). Originally broadcast on Saturday mornings, it later shifted to Sunday evening slots and adopted the shorter title New Faces. This series functioned as a marketing tool for Kevin Dennis's commercial interests. Journalist Derryn Hinch highlighted Dennis's extensive use of television advertising during that period.

Hosts

The initial presenter was Frank Wilson, who led the show from 1963 until 1976. Subsequently, Bert Newton took over hosting responsibilities from 1976 through 1985. The judging panel included notable figures such as Bobby Limb, Geoff Brooke, Rod McLennan, and Tim Evans.

Contestants and winners

Participants competed through preliminary rounds, with victors progressing to the final stages. Numerous contestants went on to attain significant recognition, 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	Template:Unknown
1969	Liv Maessen	Template:Runner up
	Mike McClellan	Template:Won
1970	Daryl Somers	Template:Runner up
	John Williamson	Template:Won
1971	Paul Hogan	Template:Unknown
	Susie Coles	Template:Won
1971 (Adelaide)	Mike and Keith Webb	Template:Won
1972	Shane Bourne	Template:CFinalist
	Rave (Shepparton pop band)	Template:Won
1973	Maria Mercedes	Template:Unknown
	Col Elliott	Template:Won
1976	Lyn Bryant (now Billie Wilde)	Template:Won
1977	Debby Jean (Baker)	Template:Won
1982	Martin Lass	Template:Won
1983	Keith Urban	Template:Unknown
1984	Michelle French	Template:Won
1990	Peter Andre	Template:Quit
1993	Jerson Trinidad	Template:Won

Revivals

Beginning in 1989, Daryl Somers assumed both hosting and production roles for the program on GTV-9. Later, in 1992, hosting duties were transferred to Bert Newton when the show aired on Network Ten, continuing until its conclusion in 1993.

See also

• List of Australian music television shows