Daryl Somers is making a major comeback, with the veteran entertainer launching his very own streaming service dedicated to Hey Hey It’s Saturday more than two decades after the iconic variety show’s original run came to an end.
The 75-year-old Australian television star shot to fame in 1970 after winning the popular talent show New Faces, which led to him hosting the children’s morning program Cartoon Corner before co-creating the long-running comedy variety show Hey Hey It’s Saturday.
Hosted by Somers, Hey Hey It’s Saturday became an Australian television institution during its 28-year run on Channel Nine before its original run came to an end on November 20, 1999.
The beloved program later returned for a brief revival, with 20 new episodes airing in 2010.
Now, following a massive resurgence of interest in the show on social media, Somers has announced he is revamping his Hey Hey TV streaming platform to cater to its growing fan base.
“I guess a lot of people my age are slowing down, but I’ve never been busier,” Somers told Woman’s Day.
“Over the last couple of years our Facebook following has grown to over 850,000, so we are revamping Hey Hey TV to cater to the enormous interest in the show.”
The revamped Hey Hey TV streaming platform will replace an earlier version and give subscribers access to more than 800 episodes of Hey Hey It’s Saturday, as well as its spin-off shows and specials.
But Somers isn’t simply opening the vault, with the veteran entertainer also planning to record new material exclusively for members.
While he is yet to reveal an official launch date for the revamped platform, Somers has promised more details will be announced later this year on the Hey Hey Facebook page.
“I want to keep that special connection going with the vast and loyal Hey Hey mob, even if I have to point out to people sometimes that I’m not 105, and I’m still here!” he said.
“And yes, I’m soon going to be back on TV – only this time, Hey Hey TV!”
In a welcome video shared on Hey Hey TV, Somers said he is “so excited to be back” in viewers’ lounge rooms and workplaces, or even on their train to work.
“We’re going to be doing some great new stuff that we’ll be adding from time to time… So thanks for joining us on Hey Hey TV!”
The returning line-up is understood to include fan favourites Jacki MacDonald, Molly Meldrum and Livinia Nixon, alongside beloved puppets Ossie Ostrich and Plucka Duck.
Premium memberships for Hey Hey TV will cost $6.95 a month or $59.95 for an annual subscription.
Fans have already flooded social media with excitement over the comeback, with one Facebook user writing: “Good old fashioned entertainment! Can’t wait for new show.”
“Remember when being an Aussie meant we could all have a laugh at ourselves and never take things too seriously….where’s that gone?” a second said.
“God i miss this show! C**ps on anything on TV these days!” a third wrote.