New Faces (Australian TV series)
New Faces was an Australian talent show that preceded the British show of the same name, produced at GTV-9 Melbourne. The program began in 1963 under the name Kevin Dennis Auditions, sponsored by a new car dealership, Kevin Dennis Motors, which was run by Kevin Dennis, who was also a well-known face on Australian TV from his catchy 'Update' TV Commercials in the 1960s–70s, which were featured during the breaks of the popular show. The program ran on Saturday mornings. The program name soon changed to Kevin Dennis New Faces, and later simply New Faces, becoming a Sunday night primetime show.
The program began as a vehicle for rags-to-riches Melbourne businessman Kevin Dennis to promote his business. Australian journalist Derryn Hinch, in remembering Kevin Dennis, said:
Hosts
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.Contestants and winners
Contestants would compete in heats, with the winners competing in finals. 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.| Year | Contestant | Placement |
| 1964 | The Spinning Wheels | Second-last |
| 1965 | Olivia Newton-John | |
| 1969 | Liv Maessen | |
| 1969 | Mike McClellan | |
| 1970 | Daryl Somers | |
| 1970 | John Williamson | |
| 1971 | Paul Hogan | |
| 1971 | Susie Coles | |
| 1971 | Mike and Keith Webb | |
| 1972 | Shane Bourne | |
| 1972 | Rave | |
| 1973 | Maria Mercedes | |
| 1973 | Col Elliott | |
| 1976 | Lyn Bryant | |
| 1977 | Debby Jean | |
| 1982 | Martin Lass | |
| 1983 | Keith Urban | |
| 1984 | Michelle French | |
| 1990 | Peter Andre | |
| 1993 | Jerson Trinidad |