Aussie show caught up in 'race row'

The second Hey Hey It's Saturday reunion show has sparked a race row after a skit featured singers with black painted faces performing a Michael Jackson tribute.

Harry Connick Jr, who appeared as a guest judge, led a barrage of criticism over the sketch and demanded an apology from the Australian show.

According to the Herald Sun, the singer gave the performance a score of zero and said that he needed to "speak up as an American" to say that the face-painting was inappropriate.

Dr Anand Deva, who dressed as Jackson in the segment, said: "All six of us discussed this at length whether or not we should put this on because we realised it may be controversial. It certainly was not meant to be racist in any way at all."

Last night's show also featured the return of former co-host Jacki MacDonald, who was initially reluctant to participate. She said: "The kids thought the show was great last week so I thought, 'Oh well, I should go on'.''