This week, I take a nostalgic journey through one of the most iconic talent shows of the 1970s – "Opportunity Knocks!" While watching modern talent competitions like "Britain's Got Talent" and "The Masked Singer," I found myself reminiscing about Monday evenings in the 70s when families across Britain would gather around their televisions to watch aspiring performers compete for fame on Hughie Green's legendary show.
"Opportunity Knocks" was a true British institution that began on BBC radio in 1949 before finding its true home on ITV in 1964. By the 1970s, it had become appointment viewing for millions, including my family. The format was refreshingly simple – a variety of acts would perform, the studio audience would show their appreciation via the famous "clapometer," and viewers at home would vote by sending in postcards (yes, actual postcards!) to determine the winner.
The show's host, Canadian-born Hughie Green, was as much a part of the spectacle as the acts themselves. Dressed in a shiny suit with his catchphrase "I mean that most sincerely, folks," he guided viewers through a parade of singers, comedians, musicians, and occasionally, some truly bizarre performances. The set was quintessentially 70s – beige carpet, gold curtains, and a revolving stage that spun acts on and off with military precision.
I share my personal memory of when the Warrington Youth Band from my hometown appeared on the show around 1975. The local excitement was palpable, with our newspaper, The Warrington Guardian, breathlessly covering their appearance. When they won and returned for several weeks, it was like having celebrities in our midst – a testament to the show's cultural impact.
The episode explores some of the most memorable winners, including ten-year-old Lena Zavaroni, whose powerful rendition of "Ma! (He's Making Eyes At Me)" catapulted her to fame; Peters and Lee, whose hit "Welcome Home" topped the charts; poet Pam Ayres with her cheeky verses about teeth; and Bernie Flint, who holds the record with twelve consecutive wins in 1977.
But perhaps more fascinating are those who didn't win but went on to greater things – Les Dawson, Su Pollard (who famously lost to a singing dog!), Freddie Starr, and Paul Daniels. And who could forget the truly odd acts that somehow captured the public's imagination, from singing nuns to spoon players?
As the 70s progressed, "Opportunity Knocks" faced competition from the more modern "New Faces," which introduced celebrity judges and scoring systems – pointing the way toward today's talent show formats. But for those of us who grew up in the 70s, nothing quite captures the innocent charm of talent shows like Hughie Green and his clapometer.
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Do you remember watching "Opportunity Knocks"? Did you ever send in a postcard to vote for your favourite act? Get in touch and share your memories!
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