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Hey Hey It’s Saturday 50th anniversary finds a home on Seven

The Seven Network has announced it will be airing Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s 50th birthday special later this year.

Hey Hey We’re 50 will air as a one off event on Seven and 7Plus hosted by Daryl Somers, as it is understood that Hey Hey’s former broadcaster, Nine decided to pass on the special.

Mumbrella understands that Nine rejected the pitched idea of a 50th anniversary special from Somers’ production company, Somers Carroll, with the special finally landing at Seven, the network that currently airs Dancing With The Stars, which he also hosts.

The special will feature a number of the original shows characters, with Somers, who hosted the show during its entire original run from 1971 to 1999 heading up the reunion.

Somers said: “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 Hey Hey fans but to all Australians, as we desperately need a touch of levity at this time.”

The show was the launching pad for Somers’ career, in which he has been recognised with three Gold Logies and an Order of Australia for services to the entertainment industry, charitable organisations and the community.

He went on to host Family Feud, and later moving to Seven for Dancing With The Stars between 2004 to 2007. In 2021, Somers returned to the screen, with Dancing With The Stars for an All Stars season.

Hey Hey It’s Saturday made a short-lived return to Nine in 2010, however due to falling ratings was not extended for another season. The show was known for its various segments and characters including Red Faces, What Cheezes Me Off, Celebrity Head, Plucka Duck, Joking Off, Phunny Fotos and Chooklotto.

Seven Network director of programming, Angus Ross, said: “There are very few Australian TV shows as loved as Hey Hey and we are really pleased to be able to work with Daryl and his team on this fantastic special event.

“For three decades, Hey Hey was one of the funniest, most entertaining and most unpredictable shows on TV. We’re honoured to be part of what promises to be a wonderful celebration.”

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