Spot The Tune

1 9 5 6 – 1 9 6 2 (UK)
209 x episodes

A precursor to Name That Tune, Spot the Tune featured a rotating lineup of hosts over its run, including Ken Platt, “Desmond” O’Connor, Alfred Marks, Jackie Rae, Ted Ray, Pete Murray, and Billy Raymond – who, at just 23, became the youngest host on British television at the time.

The format was a musical quiz, challenging contestants to identify a song title after hearing only a few bars of the melody – within a strict time limit. It was a simple concept, but one that proved highly engaging for viewers.

At the heart of the show was resident vocalist Marion Ryan, mother of future pop stars Paul and Barry Ryan. Originally signed on for just six episodes, she became an integral part of the programme and stayed for the entire run.

Her performances were first backed by the Peter Knight Orchestra, later replaced by the Bob Sharples Orchestra.

Marion was known not just for her voice, but also for her glamour. For the 1958 season alone, she commissioned an astonishing 100 dresses, priced from £7 10s to 325 guineas.

Confident in their quality, she claimed, “I’ll defy most people to tell which are the cheap ones and which are the expensive.”

One of the show’s most memorable moments came during a dramatic jackpot round involving contestant Norma Longbottom.

Playing for £600, she gave her answer, but host Ken Platt wasn’t sure whether it had come in before the buzzer. The floor manager was consulted, who then turned to the director. Unable to decide in the moment, they agreed to review the tape recording.

As word spread, viewers jammed the switchboards, eagerly awaiting the verdict.

Meanwhile, the production team huddled around a tape recorder. After listening back, they ruled in Norma’s favour – confirming her win and prompting celebrations from an equally relieved audience.

As Name That Tune, the format was seen again in the seventies and late eighties.

Ken Platt
Jackie Rae
Ted Ray
Billy Raymond
“Desmond” O’Connor
Alfred Marks
Pete Murray
Marion Ryan