Debuting on 19 June 1966, this Sunday night summer ITV variety show originated from the ABC Theatre in the British seaside city of Blackpool. It was produced to replace Sunday Night at the London Palladium during the theatre’s summer break.
Tony Hancock hosted the show for the first series (replacing Mike and Bernie Winters, who had previously hosted the Blackpool show), and Bob Sharples was the bandleader, conducting the 30-piece ABC Showband. John Junkin (pictured) also appeared each week.
Eight dancers were choreographed by Peter Gordeno.
Guests from the music and comedy worlds included Matt Monro, Kathy Kirby, Arthur Askey, The Bachelors, Allan Sherman, Frankie Howerd, The Kaye Sisters, Mike and Bernie Winters, Roy Castle, Jimmy Clitheroe, The Seekers, Dave Allen, Jeannie Carson, Bob Monkhouse, Freddie ‘Parrotface’ Davies, Deryck Guyler and The Rockin’ Berries.
The final episode of the 1966 series was hosted by Bruce Forsyth – primarily as a promotion for his Bruce Forsyth Show , which premiered the following Sunday.
The eight episodes of the 1967 series (which debuted on Sunday 25 June) were hosted by Dickie Henderson. Bob Sharples returned with the ABC Showband, and the choreographer this time was Irving Davies.
Tony Hancock hosted the show for the first series (replacing Mike and Bernie Winters, who had previously hosted the Blackpool show), and Bob Sharples was the bandleader, conducting the 30-piece ABC Showband. John Junkin (pictured) also appeared each week.
