Australian TV

Daryl Somers to revive 'Hey Hey It's Saturday' for third time?

Published Tuesday, Sep 20 2011, 14:06 BST | By Rebecca Davies | Add comment

Daryl Somers and Mel Gibson on 'Hey Hey It's Saturday'

Hey Hey It's Saturday is to make another comeback, this time not on Australian national TV.

Bosses behind the long-running Channel Nine variety show, which has been cancelled twice in the past, are reportedly hoping to relaunch the brand again with a live stage show.

Hey Hey It's Saturday's host and producer Daryl Somers wrote on the programme's Facebook page earlier this wee.

"We are currently exploring the possibility of taking the show into ticketed venues and would love to get your feedback on the proposition," he said.

It is believed that the shows would include comedy sketches, controversial Red Faces segments and music performances. Stars including Wilbur Wilde, John Blackman and Plucka Duck are rumoured to be on board.

Hey Hey It's Saturday debuted with Somers in 1971, was axed in 1999 and then brought back in 2009 with two specials. It was permanently revived but received poor ratings, was plagued with rumours of cancellation and was axed for good last November.

Somers has previously said of the series: "[The show is] very Australian. I'd like to think it's the most original Australian format on TV. As an audience member, you are not a passive observer, you can engage with it. The essence of the show is fun."

Watch part of a 2010 episode of Hey Hey It's Saturday below: