Early Career Before beginning his comedy career Bobby Kaye (real name Robert Sturgeon) was a junior at Liverpool F.C. and later became the lead singer in the Liverpool skiffle group The Crescents who recorded and released the single Baby, Baby, Baby b/w Wrong on the Columbia label in March 1958. When full time entertainment didn’t work out… Read More Bobby Kaye
The Early Years Al Dean was born Alan Robinson in January 1941 in Liverpool. The son of band pianist George Robinson, he grew up surrounded by the show business lifestyle, supplemented by frequent trips to the theatre with his parents, while he was growing up in the Wavertree area of the city. After leaving Sefton… Read More Al Dean
The first ever All Winners Final in the new series format was hosted by former contestant and comedian Nicky Martyn. The judging panel for the show was comprised of three regular judges, Ted Ray, George Elrick and Clifford Davis and they were joined on the panel by guest judge and normal show host Derek Hobson.… Read More 9 November 1974 – Series Three (8) – All Winners Final 1
The third series of New Faces began just two and a half months after the end of series two and only a few weeks after the documentary After All I’ve Been Through had been on the small screen. With many more episodes in the new series there was a new format to the show. Every… Read More 21 September 1974 – Series Three (1)
This episode probably ranks as the most eventful show of the whole second series due to the memorable incidents that were witnessed in the studio and on screen. For the third show in a row the panel of judges were Tony Hatch, Clifford Davis, Mickie Most and Arthur Askey who saw seven more new to… Read More 29 Jun 1974 – Series Two (12)
The Early Years Warrington boy, David Concannon, had his first success in 1971 when, aged 15, he entered a talent contest in Rhyl, North Wales. He came first and part of his prize was a further week’s holiday the following summer. On that prize holiday, history repeated itself, he entered the same contest and won… Read More Just Oliver
The second series of New Faces began on 6 April 1974 and was once again recorded at Birmingham’s ATV studios on Broad Street just a few days before the broadcast date. The new format for the second series means that the winner of each Saturday’s show is guaranteed six weeks’ work on one of the… Read More 6 April 1974 – Series Two (1)
Born Charlotte Rickards in 1952 in Pontypridd, Wales but brought up in Birmingham, Charlie was discovered by comedian Les Dawson who helped her to begin a career as a compere and singer at Birmingham’s Cavendish night club in 1970.… Read More Charlie James
Pete’s dream job was to be a professional entertainer and in the late sixties Stoke-on-Trent had a thriving cabaret club circuit. He soon became well-known enough in the pubs and clubs to allow him to quit his police job, which he swapped for a part-time job at a local firm. It was at this electrical components sales company he selected his stage name by browsing the employee list and checking which name went well with Pete.… Read More Pete Conway
The judging panel* for this episode were John Smith, Katie Boyle and Clement Freud. The six acts battling for a place in the winner’s final on show ten were; Roger Blakiston (Novelty Comedy) John and Laurie (Guitar and Vocal Duo) Steve Paccitto (Accordionist) Philip John Lee (Flamenco Guitar) Les Dennis (Comedian) Trotto (Folk Trio) The… Read More 1 December 1973 – Series One (10)
As with all previous All Winners Shows a guest host oversaw the proceedings with comedian Nicky Martyn taking over from usual host Derek Hobson, who switched roles and joined Martin Jackson, Mickie Most and John Smith on the judging panel for the show. The eight acts appearing for a second time and hoping for a… Read More 3 May 1975 – Series Three (33) – All Winners Final 4
Heat 31 of series three once again saw Derek Hobson in the hosts chair and a judging panel of Mickie Most, Jimmy Henney, George Elrick and Martin Jackson. The acts looking for a place in the next All Winners show were; Dennis Jones (comedian / impressionist) Barbara Hermans (vocalist) Paul Leyton (harmonica player) The Honey… Read More 19 April 1975 – Series Three (31)
Joining guest host Nicky Martyn on the third All Winners Show were Tony Hatch, Arthur Askey, Clifford Davis and regular host Derek Hobson making up the judging panel of four. The eight acts back for a chance to book their place in the Grand Final at the end of the series were; Al Dean (comedian)… Read More 8 March 1975 – Series Three (25) – All Winners Final 3
Heat 21 of series three saw a panel of Clifford Davis, Martin Jackson, band leader Jack Parnell and comedian Ted Ray judge the following seven acts; Yard Of Ale (trio) Frank Terenzi (vocalist) Janice Hoyte (vocalist) Dennis D’ell (vocal/guitarist) Kenny Windsor (character comedian) Kentucky County (three-piece group) Brainchild (four-piece group) The controversial winner of this… Read More 8 February 1975 – Series Three (21)