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Daryl Somers drops big hint over Hey Hey It's Saturday tour

Daryl Somers, 72, was named Victorian of the Year during a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall on Monday. During his speech, the TV veteran revealed that he was "serious" about touring highlights from his iconic show, Hey Hey It's Saturday. “I’m seriously considering going out and touring with the archives because we’ve digitised well over 20 years worth of Hey Hey,” Somers revealed. “There are some marvellous backstories to things that happened over that time.” The presenter accepted the honour for his charitable contributions and services to entertainment, after a nearly 30 year career on the show, which ran until 1999. He told the audience that he was a "performer at heart" and missed the excitement of live entertainment. During his speech, he also admitted that even though it was an honour to receive the award, it had come at a difficult time, following the death of close friend and former co-star John Blackman, who served as Hey, Hey’s voiceover artist for the show. Blackman passed away on June 4 after a battle with cancer. “It is an honour, I’m a born-and-bred Victorian,” he said. “You think about the highs and lows in life and this is a high for me at the end of a rather solemn week. “Last week, we laid to rest my dear friend John Blackman. John was a passionate and loyal Victorian as well. “He is not here, but in part I’d like to dedicate this award to him because we had an endearing friendship. I love the guy – we went back over 50 years.” Somers also thanked his team and his wife, Julie for supporting him throughout his career. The TV veteran was also involved with plenty of charities over the years including Lost Dogs Home, Kids Under Cover and Camp Quality. Images: Channel 9

Daryl Somers receives unique gift at John Blackman's emotional funeral

The who's-who of Australian TV have turned out to farewell John Blackman at an emotional funeral in Melbourne. Hey Hey it's Saturday host Daryl Somers led the tributes to his late friend, reflecting on their decades-long friendship and side-by-side career. "He was so wonderful and he was so sharp and saw humour in everything. John was an optimist and we loved him so much,” Somers said. During the heartfelt memorial, Somers received a precious gift from Blackman's wife of 52 years Cecile, who gifted him the famous Dickie Knee puppet to the remaining Hey Hey It's Saturday stars. John Blackman's co-stars from across three decades of Australian TV were also in attendance, with Wilbur Wilde, Red Symonds, Eddie McGuire and Nine's Livinia Nixon among mourners. "There was a whole lotta love in the room, for him, for everything that he's done for everybody, for the kindness he's shown everyone," Nixon said. Mourners reflected on his quick wit and most famous character Dickie Knee, who took the mickey out of some of the biggest stars of the time. "A very sad day though it's kind of a very special time, all that time in variety. And another one's gone," Entertainer Rhonda Burchmore said. Some of Blackman's old radio colleagues also paid tribute, with veteran 3AW presenter Philip Brady saying, "We became best buddies a long, long time ago and had so many laughs together over the years." "And I'll be forever grateful to John for the humour he brought into our lives. He really enriched our lives and we are poorer for his passing." At the time of his death, Blackman had been suffering bone and skin cancer, and had undergone major surgeries to control the disease. Image credits: Nine

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Daryl Somers breaks silence after John Blackman's tragic passing

Hey Hey it's Saturday star Daryl Somers has broken his silence after the sudden death of his friend and colleague John Blackman. Somers and Blackman worked together on the Nine Network variety show for decades, with Blackman becoming a household name for voicing the cheeky and loveable stick puppet Dickey Knee. John tragically <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/australia-is-a-sadder-place-shock-as-john-blackman-s-death-confirmed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 76 on Wednesday, after a lengthy battle with cancer and undergoing numerous operations on his face and skull to remove cancerous tumours. Now, Daryl Somers has paid tribute to Blackman, reflecting on the hilarious times they spent together. “He had a God-given talent to make people laugh, especially me,” Daryl Somers told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-05/john-blackman-hey-hey-its-saturday-star-dies/103937036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a>. The TV host said he was “devastated” by the death of such a “beloved friend”. “He used to say his mission on Hey Hey was to break me up, and at times I’d be crying with uncontrollable laughter,” Somers said. “Sadly, today, I’m just crying.” Channel Nine and 3AW confirmed the entertainer's death on Wednesday, describing him in a statement as "a cherished voice in Australian media". "John, renowned as the iconic voiceover artist for 'Hey Hey It's Saturday,' brought joy and laughter into countless homes every weekend," the statement said. "His distinctive voice and quick wit became a hallmark of the show, endearing him to generations of viewers." Image credits: Nine Network

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Suzanne Somers' official cause of death revealed

Suzanne Somers' official cause of death has been revealed after her tragic passing on October 15, just one day before her 77th birthday. A copy of her death certificate obtained by <a href="https://theblast.com/550097/suzanne-somers-death-certificate-official-cause-death-brain-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Blast</a> revealed the severity of her decades-long battle with breast cancer, and while it was the main cause of her death, it had reportedly also metastasized to the brain. According to the publication, Somers also suffered from hypertension and hydrocephalus (a build up of fluid on the brain) in the lead up to her death. The Step by Step actress had endured a <span style="color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">23-year long battle with breast cancer before her passing, which sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry. Somers' publicist R. Couri Hay first broke the news of her passing in a statement, and also shared that the actress' husband Alan Hamel had given her a <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/uniquely-magically-indescribably-us-read-the-emotional-love-letter-from-suzanne-somers-husband" target="_blank" rel="noopener">love letter</a> just 24 hours before her passing. "She read the poem and went to bed and later died peacefully in her sleep,” her publicist said at the time. In one of her Instagram posts before her death, Somers opened up about her battle with cancer and how grateful she was to have her husband by her side. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvYACxKytPM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvYACxKytPM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Suzanne Somers (@suzannesomers)</a> </div> </blockquote> "As you know, I had breast cancer two decades ago, and every now and then it pops up again, and I continue to bat it down," she wrote. "I have used the best alternative and conventional treatments to combat it. This is not new territory for me." "I know how to put on my battle gear and I'm a fighter. Alan has been by my side every step of the way. I can't even explain how much he has done for me. If it's even possible, we are even closer than ever." Somers is survived by Alan, her husband of 46 years, her son, Bruce Somers Jr. and her three granddaughters. Images: Instagram/ Getty

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Darryl Somers jumps the gun with major Dr Chris Brown announcement

Darryl Somers, the man who made Dancing with the Stars a glittering extravaganza of dance and dazzling outfits, has decided to take centre stage once again. After months of speculation about Dr Chris Brown taking over the hosting reins, Somers took it upon himself to make a rogue announcement on his Facebook page that was about as expected as a cha-cha-cha in a tango. Rumours have been swirling for some time now about Channel Seven's big reveal, scheduled for their upfronts event, a time when media executives and TV buffs gather to find out what fresh television delights are in store. But Somers, always one to seize the spotlight, decided to drop the bombshell himself. "Hi All, Just want to confirm the speculation that I will not be hosting Dancing With The Stars in 2024. Seven let me know recently that they have signed Chris Brown to the network full-time, and amongst his commitments, he will be hosting DWTS," Somers wrote on Facebook. In a heartfelt message, Somers went on to share his gratitude for the 20-year journey he's had with Dancing with the Stars, dating back to 2004. He's completed ten series, with his last one being a "huge ratings success". And what better way to pass the torch than with a mirror ball, the symbol of dancefloor triumph, presented personally by Somers to Chris Brown. Somers also expressed his fondness for his co-host, Sonia Kruger, and the judges, Todd McKenney and Mark Wilson. It seems that while he will miss the sequins and glitter, he's "now unencumbered to pursue the projects [he] put on hold during Covid and shall have some exciting news on that score early next year." We can't wait to find out what Somers has hidden up his well-tailored sleeves. But let's not forget the man of the hour: Dr Chris Brown. Not only will he be grooving to the tunes of Dancing with the Stars, but he's also going to be hosting a brand new show titled Dream Home. It's not about dreaming of a dream home; it's about couples turning a run-down shack into a palace, all while winning some cold hard cash. If we know Brown, he's probably going to charm the participants into renovating their homes with just a smile and a stethoscope. Before all of this unfolded, there was speculation that Brown might take over for Kochie when he retired from Sunrise after 21 years – but of course that Big Chair went to Olympian Matt Shirvington. In the world of Australian television, the tango of hosting changes continues, with Somers' premature announcement adding an unexpected twist. It seems that even after 20 years of dancing with the stars, you can still surprise everyone with a perfectly timed leap and a graceful pirouette into the unknown. Images: Instagram

"Uniquely, magically, indescribably us": Read the emotional love letter from Suzanne Somers' husband

Just one day before her death, Suzanne Somers' husband gave her a handwritten love letter as part of an early birthday present. Somers' husband, Alan Hamel, gave the letter to his wife of 45 years just 24 hours before she passed away at the age of 76. According to Somers' publicist, R. Couri Hay, Hamel “gave it to her a day early and she read the poem and went to bed and later died peacefully in her sleep.” The emotional poem was an expression of love from Somers' husband, as he struggled to define their intense relationships. “Love I use it every day, sometimes several times a day. I use it at the end of emails to my loving family. I even use it in emails to close friends. I use it when I’m leaving the house,” the note began, via <a href="https://people.com/read-love-letter-suzanne-somers-husband-alan-hamel-wrote-to-her-day-before-her-death-8358234">People</a>. “There’s love, then love you and I love you!! Therein lies some of the different ways we use love. Sometimes I feel obliged to use love, responding to someone who signed love in their email, when I’m uncomfortable using love but I use it anyway. “I also use love to describe a great meal. I use it to express how I feel about a show on Netflix. I often use love referring to my home, my cat Gloria, to things Gloria does, to the taste of a cantaloupe I grew in my garden.” “I love the taste of a freshly harvested organic royal jumbo medjool date. I love biting a fig off the tree. I love watching two giant blackbirds who live nearby swooping by my window in a power dive. My daily life encompasses things and people I love and things and people I am indifferent to,” he continued. “I could go on ad infinitum, but you get it. What brand of love do I feel for my wife Suzanne? Can I find it in any of the above? A resounding no!!!! There is no version of the word that is applicable to Suzanne and I even use the word applicable advisedly.” “The closest version in words isn’t even close. It’s not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction. Unconditional love does not do it. I’ll take a bullet for you doesn’t do it. I weep when I think about my feelings for you. Feelings… That’s getting close, but not all the way.” “55 years together, 46 married and not even one hour apart for 42 of those years. Even that doesn’t do it,” he added. “Even going to bed at 6 o’clock and holding hands while we sleep doesn’t do it. Staring at your beautiful face while you sleep doesn’t do it.” “I’m back to feelings. There are no words,” he concluded. “There are no actions. No promises. No declarations. Even the green shaded scholars of the Oxford University Press have spent 150 years and still have failed to come up with that one word. So I will call it, ‘Us,’ uniquely, magically, indescribably wonderful ‘Us.’” Somers and Hamel tied the knot in 1977, giving them 45 years together as husband and wife. Somers died on Sunday morning after “an aggressive form of breast cancer for over 23 years,” her publicist said in a statement. Suzanne was best known for playing Chrissy Snow on the 1970s sitcom Three’s Company and Carol Foster Lambert on the ’90s family comedy Step by Step. Image credits: Getty Images

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Sudden exit leaves Dancing With the Stars viewers stunned

Fans of Dancing With the Stars were left in shock as celebrity chef Matt Preston made an unexpected decision to quit the show on Sunday night, creating a first in the series' history. After finding himself in the bottom two and facing a dance-off against former AFL star Gavin Wanganeen to secure his spot in the competition, the former MasterChef judge interrupted host Daryl Somers to drop a bombshell announcement. “I’ve loved everything about this, but my ankle is cooked,” Preston revealed to Somers and co-host Sonia Kruger. “I can’t dance again tonight so what I want to do is to concede and give the win to Gavin, who did brilliantly today and I’m so proud to be doing this for you, brother.” Somers, clearly taken aback, expressed that such a situation had never occurred before and invited the judges to share their thoughts on Preston's decision. “I mean, injuries happen and there’s nothing you can do about that,” Craig Revel Horwood said. “I’ve been a dancer all my life, if you’re injured you shouldn’t dance on an injury – so Matt, I think you’ve made the right decision. Sad to see you go, but Gavin, darling welcome, for you get another life on the show now.” “You’re absolutely doing the right thing and thank you for giving us determination and your courage, you’ve been wonderful,” Sharna Burgess agreed. “And I’m gonna give you a big hug after the show.” During a recent candid interview on the Stellar podcast "Something To Talk About," Preston shed light on his motivation for joining the dancing competition in the first place, explaining his desire to step far outside his comfort zone. “An opportunity like Dancing comes along and you go, ‘I don’t need to do it.’ And then you go, ‘Well, let’s have a crack,’” he said. “There’s one word that I keep hearing a lot from certain people of a certain age who’ve achieved a lot, and that’s the fear of ‘humiliation’. I think this is a really debilitating idea, this idea that your children are going to think less of you or your friends are going to joke about you. “Humiliation is just an anxiety that really has no place in the modern world.” Images: Channel 10

Farm shooter had gun ban revoked

The farmer who allegedly shot at four family members killing three of them actually had his gun ban revoked. Darryl Young is accused of murdering three of his neighbours following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie, near Collinsville in Queensland. However, court documents have revealed that the 59-year-old had his gun ban revoked almost a decade ago after a successful appeal saying he needed it for his “business”. According to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Young was granted his gun licence in 1992, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/news/for-my-business-alleged-farm-massacre-culprit-darryl-youngs-prior-police-stoush-over-gun-licence-revealed/news-story/5d29e6d9f1922a2d4009f8d17eb60ea1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> reported. Young was allowed to hold four rifles and two shotguns with his licence. Then in 2010, Young went to renew his licence but Queensland Police refused on the basis that it was “not in the public interest”. In his response to the refusal, Young explained that he needed the licence to control the feral animals on his farm. “There is no were (sic) in the laws of the gun laws that I have broken to stop me having a gun licence,” his application read. “I need my gun licence for my business. I hope the Tribunal over turns (sic) the decision so I can have my licence.” The tribunal accepted Young’s explanation which saw him get his licence again. Last week, in matters unrelated, Young was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/man-accused-of-shooting-family-of-four-identified" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder</a> of his neighbours Mervyn, 71, Maree Schwarz, 59, and their son Graham Tighe, 35, following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie near Collinsville in Queensland. He was also charged with one count of attempted murder after Mervyn and Maree’s other son Ross Tighe survived following a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police will allege Young invited the three members to the edge of his property on August 4 before shooting them “execution style”. Young allegedly shot at Ross who managed to escape the farm in a ute and alert police to the horrific attack against his family. Police charged Young with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder and he appeared briefly at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday with his lawyer asking for the case to be transferred. Young was reprimanded in custody and will reappear in court on November 1. Acting Superintendent Tom Armitt said it was incredible Ross was able to survive due to the properties being so far apart. “It’s actually a 45-minute drive between the neighbours,” he said. “At the crime scene, which is at the front gate of one of the premises, it is a 3km drive between the gate and the house at that location.” Images: 7News

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Man accused of shooting family of four identified

The accused shooter who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/news/news/three-confirmed-dead-after-horrific-shooting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed two farmers and their son</a> and wounded the other has been identified. Darryl Young has been charged with the murder of his neighbours Mervyn, 71, Maree Schwarz, 59, and their son Graham Tighe, 35, following a dispute of boundary lines on their land in Bogie near Collinsville in Queensland. The 59-year-old was also charged with one count of attempted murder after Mervyn and Maree’s other son Ross Tighe survived following a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Police will allege Young invited the three members to the edge of his property on August 4 before shooting them “execution style”. Young allegedly shot at Ross who managed to escape the farm in a ute and alert police to the horrific attack against his family. Police charged Young with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder and he is due to appear at Proserpine Magistrates Court on Monday. Acting Superintendent Tom Armitt said it was incredible Ross was able to survive due to the properties being so far apart. “It’s actually a 45-minute drive between the neighbours,” he said. “At the crime scene, which is at the front gate of one of the premises, it is a 3km drive between the gate and the house at that location.” In another devastating twist of events, Graham’s wife Lucy had just given birth to their second child. “It’s just devastating shock that things can happen so quickly in the blink of an eye and ruin so many lives so quickly,” Greg Austen, Graham’s uncle told 7News. Images: 7News

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New details on bodies found tied together in dam

One of the bodies found dumped in a Queensland dam on Saturday has been identified. Darryl Smith, 51, was found floating in the Gordonbrook Dam in South Burnett, tied up to a woman, who is yet to be identified. Police are urging anyone with information of Mr Smith’s activities before Saturday 19 to come forward. Mr Smith’s Holden commodore Station Wagon was found parked near the dam. Police believe it had been parked there since March 13. A group of men camping over the weekend were informed of the two dead bodies by a kayaker about 3.30 pm on Saturday. Queensland police continue to investigate the post-mortem and have asked anyone with any information to come forward. They have dismissed any involvement of a third party in Mr Smith’s and the woman’s death. Image: Queensland Police

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“I felt let down”: Kamahl’s open letter to Daryl Somers after Hey Hey smash hit

After Hey Hey It’s Saturday raked in views once again with the airing of the show’s <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/tv/huge-twist-in-hey-hey-it-s-saturday-ratings-smash" target="_blank">50th anniversary special</a>, singer Kamahl has shared an open letter to host Daryl Somers. The show was recently hit with criticism after a compilation of vintage clips went viral earlier this year, with many of them revealing the mocking and belittling treatment Kamahl received. Somers publicly apologised to Kahaml in March and stated that all of the show’s team “do not condone racism in any form”. Kamahl released his open letter to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/kamahl-pens-open-letter-to-daryl-somers-one-unanswered-question/news-story/1f1038f0559bc7df8a1151c760958454" target="_blank">news.com.au</a> several days after the anniversary special, saying that he has “one unanswered question” for the host. The singer opened with the “warmest congratulations” to Somers and the team that produced the anniversary show. “The accolades that you received within the program were well-earned and rightly acknowledge your place in Australian TV history,” he wrote. “As an Australian entertainer, my being part of that history for a number of years is truly humbling.” Kamahl went on to describe a particular incident in an episode from 1984, where he was ambushed while singing and hit in the face with a white powder puff. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844801/kamahl-somers1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5f07f1a4e6ec47fdbc956b0a60e90414" /> Image: Hey Hey It’s Saturday The stunt came a week before Kamahl was due to perform for the second time at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall. He said it was “puzzling” to him that the show “decided on setting me up as the butt of a rather crude joke in preference to acknowledging my achievement”. “The fact that I had poured my heart and soul into making that concert a success made the stunt on Hey Hey that evening an incredibly dispiriting experience,” he said. “As a supporter of Hey Hey, I have to say that at the time I felt let down by your show and it is a disappointment that still remains with me today.” With that moment in mind, the singer had one question for Hey Hey’s host. “If I had been any other Australian artist about to embark on such a massive venture would I have received such treatment?” he wrote. “In a week where you are deservedly receiving such plaudits for your career milestone, I am left wondering why when you had the opportunity to acknowledge mine you chose not to.” In a reference to the original clip, Kamahl concluded the letter with the question, “Why are people so unkind?”. <img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844802/kamahl-somers2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a8359af51cbc4f1c82f15de1fdd0323c" /> Image: @johnpatterson / Twitter The cartoon was one of several that flashed up on screen during his 1984 appearance, which shocked many as it circulated on social media. Image: Getty Images

Daryl Somers issues apology to Kamahl

Former Hey Hey It's Saturday host Daryl Somers has issued an apology to Kamahl after the Malaysian-born singer opened up about the "humiliation" he endured on the once-beloved variety show. In the statement, Somers says he “deeply regret(s) any hurt felt” by Kamahl and that he “never set out to offend anybody.” Unearthed skits from the show - including one in which Kamahl was hit in the face with white powder and told "you're a real white man" afterwards - have been making the rounds on the internet recently, with Kamahl commenting on the racial abuse he was subjected to on the show. “They wouldn’t hit John Farnham or Jimmy Barnes in the face with a powder puff,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/AngelaBishop/status/1376658568858923015" target="_blank">he told Studio 10 on Tuesday</a>, adding it “hurt” to be humiliated on live national television. Responding to the uproar in a statement to 3AW, Somers - who is gearing up to host Channel 7's Dancing with the Stars: All Stars - apologised to Kamahl and others who found the show's content "offensive". “I want to make it very clear that I and all members of the Hey Hey team do not condone racism in any form,” Somers said. “I have always considered Kamahl a friend and supporter of the show, so I deeply regret any hurt felt by him as a result of anything that took place on the programme in the past.” He went on to say he supports diversity in the entertainment industry, claiming the show “never set out to offend anybody but always strived to provide family entertainment”. He added that he is “proud” of the long-running show’s contribution to Australian television, but added that “in the context of modern society” the material was “plainly inappropriate” and “would not go to air today”. The “long overdue” apology — which begins with Somers asserting that he is “currently in the middle of recording Dancing With The Stars: All Stars” — has been slammed by some social media users. “Just say sorry. No need to contextualise. It was vile then and remains so now,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/JaniceKPetersen/status/1377039408143036416" target="_blank">one said</a>. “The Daryl Somers “apology” to Kamahl … the good old “these things were ‘appropriate’ in the past & we are so much more evolved now” defence. Yeah nup; it was racist back then & it’s still racist now,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/TracyWesterman/status/1377055382451855363" target="_blank">another wrote</a>. “At no point in Daryl Somers’ ‘apology’ did he apologise. He does fit in a hell of a lot of flexing though,” <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/thebigjohnnyd/status/1377043262377132034" target="_blank">one more quipped.</a> <a rel="noopener" href="https://twitter.com/AdamNBednarczyk/status/1377062331776036864" target="_blank">Another chimed in</a>: “I see this more as a PR-written “apology” than a Daryl Somers’ apology but anyway, let’s move on.” Kamahl, however, has accepted the apology, writing: “To whom it may concern, “This is to say that I, Kandiah Kamalesvaran, AKA Kamahl, accept and acknowledge the apology from friend Daryl Somers, unreservedly”.

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Daryl Somers is back!

Some former Dancing With The Stars favourites are back in the new Dancing With The Stars: All Stars, including the original hosts and the judges of the series reuniting for the reboot! TV legend Daryl Somers hosted the first seven seasons of the program and has returned alongside Sonia Kruger. Original judges are also returning, which are Helen Richey, Todd McKenney, Paul Mercurio and Mark Wilson, much to the delight of die-hard fans. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMjm2VLpcyw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CMjm2VLpcyw/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by DancingAU (@dancingau)</a> </div> </blockquote> The full cast has been revealed too, with Ada Nicodemou, Bec Hewitt, Erin McNaught, Fifi Box, Jamie Durie, Kyly Clarke, Luke Jacobz, Lincoln Lewis, Manu Feildel and Tom Williams planning to light up the dance floor with their moves. Fans remember Manu Feildel from season 11, but Bec Hewitt will be appearing on TV for the first time in 14 years as she's from season one. Wildcard entrants can't be forgotten either, as Schapelle Corby, former Bachelor Matty Johnson, TV host Renee Bargh and model-actress Jessica Gomes are waiting in the wings. The two-week special will air on Seven after Easter.

“I feel uncomfortable”: Erin Molan’s plea to Darryl Brohman about inappropriate comments made on air

2GB co-host Darryl Brohman is in hot water after his comments to his former The Footy Show co-host Erin Molan on the weekend. Molan was appearing on 2GB’s Continuous Call show on Saturday when Brohman pointed out that Molan had been “adjusting herself”. “Can you wear a bra next time you come in?” Darryl said. “She's been adjusting herself for 20 minutes. Can you do something about that?” Molan dismissed the comments as they were live on air and explained that she has a child at home and doesn’t have a lot of time. “I have a child, I don’t have time to get ready,” Molan snapped back, which led another male radio host to jump in saying that Molan “didn’t have to explain herself.” Despite Molan and Brohman joking about it, it seems like Brohman couldn’t let the subject go. Throughout the segment, Molan voiced her discomfort by saying “I feel uncomfortable”, to which Brohman replied: “Well, go and put on a bra and you’ll feel better!” The segment ended with Brohman being told to put on a bra himself and the three hosts laughed together. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlQYaaFzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_locale_test" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvlQYaaFzNV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_locale_test" target="_blank">Fancy seeing ye’all here... 🙌😘😘😍 @riddell009 @lucasthetics @therealbigmarn @nrlonnine @2gb873 @wwos</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/erin_molan/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_locale_test" target="_blank"> Erin Molan</a> (@erin_molan) on Mar 28, 2019 at 11:26pm PDT </div> </blockquote> However, the Studio 10 panelists aren’t pleased with the exchange. Narelda Jacobs, after listening to the audio said that it was “disgraceful”. “Does Erin sit there and tell Darryl to stop adjusting his nuts?” she explained with annoyance. “I think it is absolutely terrible because it means he is looking at her boobs. They are on radio as well, so now everyone has painted a picture in their minds.” However, Joe Hildebrand disagreed. “It seemed awkward, but it was one of those things where everyone is still having a good time,” he said. Angela Bishop, entertainment reporter, agreed with Jacobs. “It's a blokey environment and Erin has forged this great female presence within that show,” she said. “[When I heard it] I just went, 'Really? Really?" What do you think of Darryl Brohman's inappropriate comments to Erin Molan on live radio? Let us know in the comment section.

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TV legend Daryl Somers' bizarre backstage behaviour on Hey Hey It's Saturday

In 1971, Hey Hey It’s Saturday first appeared on Aussie screens and nearly five decades on, the iconic show is still remembered. Now, regular guest Red Symons has revealed one of the most unusual habits of show business legend and host of the show, Daryl Somers. In an interview with Studio 10, Symons finally confirmed a long-standing rumour about Somers’ bizarre backstage behaviour. Studio 10’s Craig Bennett asked Symons: “There was this crazy rumour, Red. Maybe you can put it to bed... or take the covers off it? Daryl would wear slippers with bells on them so people would skedaddle when they knew he was coming?” The 69-year-old confirmed that the rumour was indeed true. <img style="width: 500px; height: 278.391167192429px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7821230/2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a0c44926fe5242abaa42424d432e0540" /> Laughing in response, Symons said: “'I'm not sure what his intention was, but it was useful to know he was coming!” Symons also reflected on his segment on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, titled Red Faces. “The luxury of Red Faces was there was nothing at stake and the prize was nothing!” he said. “It was an opportunity for people that had little party tricks that they did in the pub. That's what was very nice about it. “Whereas when you get to the next-level competitiveness of the various shows there has been since, it's all so desperately important and there's so much money involved and this is your entire career. “But on Red Faces nobody took it seriously, not the audience, not the performers and not the judges,” he explained. The stars of the iconic show returned for a brief revival in 2009, following its axing in 1999. However, the 20-episode comeback was cancelled in 2010 despite the impressive line-up of celebrity guests. Kylie Minogue, Rex Lee and Toby Abbot were just some of the famous faces who appeared on the show for its short-lived return. Were you a fan of Hey Hey It’s Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.

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