The Seven Network has today confirmed it will celebrate one of the most iconic television shows Australia has ever seen with a special one-off anniversary celebration, Hey Hey We’re 50!
TV Blackbox contributor Aaron Ryan recently confirmed Hey Hey It’s Saturday would be moving to a new home on Seven, with the network now indicating the special will air later this year on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of Australia’s longest-running and most-loved variety/comedy show, Hey Hey We’re 50 will be hosted by Daryl Somers and will feature some of the favourite characters from Hey Hey.
This special television event will put the spotlight on the very best of the madness and mayhem that kept people laughing throughout the show’s remarkable run.
At this stage, it’s unclear what involvement the shows broader cast will have in this new special episode. Recent years has seen several key cast members battle with personal health concerns.
The voice of Hey Hey, John Blackman had his lower jaw removed in 2020 due to an aggressive cancer cell. Music guru Molly Meldrum now suffers from slurred speech after fracturing his skull during a 2011 ladder fall, and beloved comedian Russell Gilbert underwent surgery for a brain aneurysm in 2018.
Additionally, the iconic creator of Ossie Ostrich and former co-executive producer, Ernie Carroll is now 92 years-old and lives in a retirement home in Queensland. Former co-host Livinia Nixon is also unlikely to be involved due to her contract with Channel 9.
For 30 years, Daryl and the Hey Hey team captivated Australia with not only the biggest names in show business but also the organised chaos of regular segments including Red Faces, What Cheezes Me Off, Celebrity Head, Plucka Duck, Joking Off, Phunny Fotos and Chooklotto.
In a career spanning more than five decades, Daryl has hosted light entertainment programs, kids’ shows, game shows, pop music shows and countless specials, including the highly successful Dancing With The Stars: All Stars series on Seven earlier this year.
Announcing the new special, Daryl Somers said:
“I was absolutely delighted when Seven suggested a 50th anniversary Hey Hey special.
“Trawling back through the vast archive has been almost as much fun as doing the show in the first place, so I hope we can offer a few laughs, not only to the diehard Hey Hey fans but to all Australians, as we desperately need a touch of levity at this time.”
Seven Network Director of Programming, Angus Ross, said:
“There are very few Australian TV shows as loved as Hey Hey and we are really pleased to be able to work with Daryl and his team on this fantastic special event.
“For three decades, Hey Hey was one of the funniest, most entertaining and most unpredictable shows on TV. We’re honoured to be part of what promises to be a wonderful celebration.”
Hey Hey We’re 50 is a Somers Carroll production for the Seven Network.
Daryl Somers…Just go away already. Ugh.