A show that started on Radio in 1949 for a short stint before another brief run on Radio Luxembourg. It made it's TV debut on the recently launched ITV and was a modest success, but not renewed until 1964 when a revamped version proved a ratings winner in it's Monday evening 6.45pm slot - there was no stopping it this time.
Acts were introduced by a "Sponsor" who gave the host - The notorious Hughie Green, a rundown of their acts journey which brought them to the audition, they were then introduced to the audience with the at the time famous phrase " For ---- Opportunity Knocks". After all the acts had performed, the Audience reaction was measured by a "Clapometer" which measured the volume of the applause, indicating a probable winner, but it was ultimately decided by a postal vote, who should return the following week as the winner. There were quite a few stories of vote fixing, but the programme continued despite the controversies. Basically Britain's got talent - ITV's current talent show has taken the format and thrown more money at it with equal success.
The show launched dozens of careers over it's run till it was finally cancelled in 1978 probably due to the success of ITV's other talent show "New Faces". Several revivals followed on the BBC. Stars who made it courtesy of the show included : Freddie Starr, Su Pollard, Paul Daniels, Darren Day, Los Caracas, (later to become Middle of the Road), Mary Hopkin, Bonnie Langford, Les Dawson, Royston Vasey (AKA Roy 'Chubby' Brown), Little and Large, Bobby Crush, Berni Flint, Tony Holland (The Muscle Man), Millican & Nesbitt, Neil Reid, Peters and Lee, Lena Zavaroni, Frank Carson, Max Boyce, Pam Ayres, Debra Stephenson, Tammy Jones and Paper Lace.
Review of Opportunity Knocks
