The program began as a vehicle for rags-to-riches Melbourne businessman Kevin Dennis to promote his business.
[2] Australian journalist Derryn Hinch, in remembering Kevin Dennis, said:[3] Recently, I was asked to recall and record some thoughts about a genuine, almost (we thought) indestructible, Melbourne identity.
He was a man who once (as Kevin Dennis) bought more TV advertising on more TV programmes than any person then or since.Originally hosted by Frank Wilson from 1963 to 1976, and then by Bert Newton from 1976 to 1985, the show featured two serious judges, such as Bobby Limb, Geoff Brooke, Rod McLennan and Tim Evans.
Many of its contestants later became famous, including Paul Hogan, Olivia Newton-John, Daryl Somers, The Hawking Brothers, Col Elliott, Julia Morris and Keith Urban.
[21][22] In 1992, Bert Newton hosted the program on Network Ten, running until 1993.