Dannii's first song as cast member: Young Talent Time, 1982

Danielle (Dannii) Minogue and Mark McCormack sing ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ in their first appearance as cast members on Young Talent Time in 1982. 

Striking close-up shots are employed here to introduce the two new faces. It is interesting to watch the excerpt in the context of Dannii’s subsequent success in music and television.

She spent six years on the show and is one of its most famous alumni. Her incredible screen presence at only 10 years old is obvious, even in this short clip. 

The song was written by American composer Cole Porter and first sung by Frank Sinatra and Celeste Holm in the film High Society (1956). The relatively adult subject matter makes it an odd choice for two children to sing together.

The clean-cut costuming and low-key make-up choices are a good example of the care the show’s team took to not sexualise the young performers. 

The series ran from 1971 to 1988, hosted by musician host Johnny Young. This episode was broadcast on 29 May 1982.  

Notes by Beth Taylor