Television TV

Opportunity Knocks

Hughie Green presented the talent show Opportunity Knocks from 1956 through to 1977. Thousands of hopefulls auditioned for the show and of those who appeared on the show only a few ever went on to become famous such as Les Dawson, Freddie Starr, Little and Large, and Frank Carson.

Opportunity Knocks was a more pleasant if slightly mediocre version of New Faces and did not have a cruel and ascerbic panel of judges.

In the 1980s the show was revived with the late Bob Monkhouse as the host.


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Do You Remember Opportunity Knocks?

Do You Remember Opportunity Knocks?

  • Anonymous user
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    My husband and father in law appeared on Opportunity Knocks 31st May 1971 Series 11 episode 12 as The Antony's singing 'Little Green Apples'. I remember a lady called Leah Bell who sang 'The Trolley' song and a Scottish group who won the postal vote, I think they were called something like Thinglechyme. Any body remember any other acts? Many years ago I wrote to Thames to ask for a copy of the tape I was informed they had been destroyed but sent me a photo they had in their files.
  • Anonymous user
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    Did Tom Jones ever appear on this show, there is a pint for the right answer.
    • Anonymous user
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      No, but I did work with a girl who was in a DUET that made it through the first? audition, who said that Tom was also in the first audition, but was rejected! They remember him being so mad that he pushed over a bank of lockers. They later got turned down and never appeared on air. Hughie Green must have been kicking himself over turning down Tom!
    • Anonymous user
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      Hi Sassy, I could have sworn he did. I'm sure I can remember Hughie Green introducing "This lad from the Welsh Valleys", and Tom Jones singing It's Not Unusual. But I cannot find any reference to it anywhere. Am I going mad, or do you remember it too? I'm only four years younger than Tom, so I would have been old enough to have a proper memory - rather than a vague childhood notion, if you know what I mean. Let's hope someone else can verify it, ideally in the affirmative. Best regards, Brian G
      • Anonymous user
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        Same here! I remember him being on it and kept winning but I can find no info anywhere! It doesn;'t mention it on his wiki page, nor is there any video on You tube although others, such as Mary Hopkin are on there! It's like a big cover up, I was wondering if it was because of the Hughie Green scandal
    • Anonymous user
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      I am absolutely certain he was on Opportunity Knocks.It is such a long time ago now but sure it was in the 60s.I am also sure he was asked on television if it was true and he refuted it,but I am convinced I watched on Opportunity Knocks.
  • Anonymous user
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    Hi, I appeared at the beginning of Britain as seen on TV tonight, i was on Opportunity Knocks in 1973 appearing as the Marsandys two young girl acrobats 10 and 11 from liverpool.. knockabout acrobatic act dressed as two sailors.. i would love to see the full act again how do i go about this.. Thank you.. i was known as Sandra Romanes and Marcia Annersley was my partner in the act..
    • Anonymous user
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      I would be grateful if there was any archive to be found Thanks
  • Anonymous user
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    My dad was on Hughie Green's final show in 1977 with a band called 'Airport' I'd love to find this for him to see again, and to show my kids.
    • Anonymous user
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      Hi, I was in Airborne with Ron your dad, My name is Tony Davidson (Tony Dee) If you wan`t to see the video of Airborne on the show go on utube and type in opportunity knocks Airbprne. Best wishes Tony.
      • Anonymous user
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        Hi my dad was Ron would you happen to have any other records or unseen footage other than the one song on oppotunity knocks pls. Keith
        • Anonymous user
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          Hi Keith My name is Paul Blanchard. I was a friend of your fathers when we both lived in Milton Street York. We started a skiffle group when we were 13 years old and I've included you're father in my autobiography which is being published next year. I have ver fond memories of those early years. When you get a spare moment do call me: 07453 275863. Best wishes. Paul
      • Anonymous user
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        Hi Tony, we met at Wesley Hall over Christmas and we are trying to contact you. How can we do so? Regards Andy
      • Anonymous user
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        Hi Tony My name is Paul Blanchard. I was a friend of your fathers when we both lived in Milton Street York. We started a skiffle group when we were 13 years old and I've included you're father in my autobiography which is being published next year. I have very fond memories of those early years. When you get a spare moment do call me: 07453 275862 Best wishes Paul
      • Anonymous user
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        hi my name is james were aireborne part of the red devils parachute display team as i am a massive fan of theirs plz let me know thnx james
  • Anonymous user
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    My band Astral Plane appeared on the 1977 British Forces in Germany Opportunity Knocks, the various heats around Germany were hosted by Tommy Trinder and the final held at NAAFI Hohne was hosted by the great man himself, Mr Hughie Green accompanied by his MD Bob Sharples. Astral Plane won it hands down and were offered to travel to UK to perform on TV, however operational duties denied us the privilege, does anyone remember this? The band members were; Drums Charlie Marsden, Bass Guitar Steve "Spanner Thompson", Rythm Guitar Paul Harris, Lead Guitar Les Moxon, by the way we played "Sky High" written by Clive Scott and Des Dyer formerly of the band Jigsaw.
    • Anonymous user
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      I was in the same show; the lead singer in WEEFOLK. The Compere was indeed the legendary Tommy Trinder. Hughie found me work in BFBS Radio in Cologne. My first marriage ended in divorce and my wife destroyed any info I had on the show, and I have nothing to show for it. If you have anything you can pass on=photties, programmes etc I would be most grateful to see these again. Dave Gilbey
  • Anonymous user
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    My fathers cousins were on Opportunity knocks in the mid 70s they were called The Headliners Mary Lewis, David Lewis and John? They won for a good few weeks and I would really love to find footage of their time on the show. I can only remember two songs That's the way I must go (I found the song on YouTube) and the other song was Four Seasons. As I only started singing myself quite late in life two years ago I really would love to get these tracks
    • Anonymous user
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      Hi there. My uncle John Mills was in The Headliners and would like to get in touch with you, as through this article he managed to get footage from the show of them performing. You can contact me at jannursey@hotmail.com and I will contact him again and get his email ( he's not very computer savvy!) Thank you!
  • Anonymous user
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    my dad was on the show for a number of weeks with airborne ron strawbridge sadly my dad passed away 10 years ago we were told all video footage was lost only to be watching the talent show story and see my dad on there ive made a lot of enquiries into footage and was put in contact with fremantle archives if you contact them they search there archives and if they have the episode you are after they charge you a fee but defo worth it, hope this helps. jon
  • Anonymous user
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    As a young child,I used to love watching the muscleman,because I would stand next to the television and copy him,before long,i could flex my shoulder muscles,ripple my stomach up,down and sideways. I was always asked to do my act at any party i went to,and always had girls asking me to do it in school. I can still do it now :-)
  • Anonymous user
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    I was on Opp Knocks in 1974 in band called Glittarock. Would love to find the footage
    • Anonymous user
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      So would I Dave! I am in regular contact with Tricky Dicky via Fadebook. I hope you are well, and believe all the band members are still alive. It would be great to hear from you, but have no contact details. Last I heard was that you see Darryl occasionaly. Oh! and i have had contact with Ritchie Tattersall. Go onto your Facebook account you will find me and Dick there under our own names... Luv Stan
  • Anonymous user
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    Don't hold back Roxxy .........Satanic, died not a moment too soon lol I take it you didn't like him then!