Daryl Somers returns with new star studded ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ special

With the 50th year anniversary special, Hey Hey It’s 50 Years being the fifth most-watched television program back in 2021 with a whopping 2.11 million views, it’s no surprise that the nostalgic variety show is back with another special.

The Seven Network has announced Daryl Somers will be back on your television screen with the special airing of Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s 100th birthday special.

The new special is set to be a star-studded premiere, featuring the show’s original characters and a collection of Somer’s funniest memories and beloved segments like Red Faces and Celebrity Head. 

 

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Eager viewers can also expect special appearances from the original Wiggles, Delta Goodrem, Kate Ceberano, Lee Kernaghan and Tommy Emmanuel.

While the upcoming special is dedicated to Somers’ close friend, the late Ernie Carroll- the Australian television personality famous for creating Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s Ossie Ostrich, Somers will also be presenting special Hey Hey tributes to cricket icon Shane Warne and American comedian and magician The Amazing Johnathan, all of whom died earlier this year.

When asked last year about doing the show’s first-anniversary special, Somers said: “I was absolutely delighted when Seven suggested a 50th-anniversary 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 fans but to all Australians, as we desperately need a touch of levity at this time.”

Hey Hey It’s Saturday was the launching pad for Somers’ career, his work has been recognised with three Gold Logies and an Order of Australia for services to the entertainment industry, charitable organisations and the community.

Despite the show’s popularity, it has been without its fair share of controversy.  The show’s revival comes after old Hey Hey footage resurfaced showcasing the stars in blackface while making racist comments.

The backlash caused Somers to issue an official apology, saying he “deeply regret(s) any hurt” caused.

“I am proud of the fact that [Hey Hey It’s Saturday] was the longest-running comedy/variety programme on Australian television lasting for thirty years. I certainly appreciate, however, that in the context of modern society some material from the past is plainly inappropriate, and would not go to air today.”

Despite the backlash Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s trademark madness and mayhem has become essential family viewing for an incredible 30 years, featuring some of the biggest names in show business, from Australia and overseas.

The television special will screen on Easter Sunday, April 17, in Melbourne and Adelaide before airing in Sydney, Brisbane and Perth one week later on Sunday, April 24.