Series synopsis
Opportunity Knocks is a British family television series that premiered on BBC One on June 13, 1956. It ended on June 2, 1990. It stars Hughie Green, Bob Monkhouse, Les Dawson and Mary Hopkin.
A radio, and later television, talent show originally hosted by Hughie Green, with a late-1980s revival hosted by Bob Monkhouse, and later by previous winner Les Dawson.
Premise
A radio, and later television, talent show originally hosted by Hughie Green, with a late-1980s revival hosted by Bob Monkhouse, and later by previous winner Les Dawson.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Hughie Green
- Bob Monkhouse
- Les Dawson
- Mary Hopkin
- Bonnie Langford
- Les Dennis
- Tommy Cannon
- Bobby Ball
Supporting cast
- Bobby Crush
- Lena Zavaroni
- Tom O'Connor
- Bernie Clifton
- Darren Day
- Boothby Graffoe
- Anna Bernardin as Self - Singer
Guest cast
Episodes
This series spans 20 seasons with 485 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 14 | June 13, 1956 | September 12, 1956 |
| Season 2 | 14 | July 4, 1964 | October 3, 1964 |
| Season 3 | 25 | July 3, 1965 | December 25, 1965 |
| Season 4 | 26 | July 2, 1966 | December 24, 1966 |
| Season 5 | 35 | April 29, 1967 | December 23, 1967 |
| Season 6 | 19 | March 16, 1968 | July 27, 1968 |
| Season 7 | 12 | August 21, 1968 | November 6, 1968 |
| Season 8 | 27 | December 25, 1968 | June 23, 1969 |
| Season 9 | 26 | September 8, 1969 | March 2, 1970 |
| Season 10 | 26 | June 15, 1970 | December 7, 1970 |
| Season 11 | 26 | March 15, 1971 | September 6, 1971 |
| Season 12 | 22 | November 8, 1971 | May 1, 1972 |
| Season 13 | 37 | August 7, 1972 | April 30, 1973 |
| Season 14 | 39 | August 6, 1973 | April 29, 1974 |
| Season 15 | 39 | August 5, 1974 | April 28, 1975 |
| Season 16 | 24 | September 29, 1975 | March 22, 1976 |
| Season 17 | 25 | October 4, 1976 | April 4, 1977 |
| Season 18 | 23 | September 19, 1977 | February 27, 1978 |
| Season 19 | 13 | March 21, 1987 | June 20, 1987 |
| Season 20 | 13 | March 5, 1988 | June 4, 1988 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | June 13, 1956 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | June 20, 1956 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | June 27, 1956 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 May Martin, Malcolm Watson, Mr and Mrs Hubert Bell, The Clearways, Christine Hill |
July 4, 1964 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Margaret Toms, The Chasid Singers, Bobby Bennett, The Ashes, Pedro Flambeay |
July 11, 1964 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | July 18, 1964 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Multychords, Catherine Breslin, The Marvels, Bob Wayne, Nick Morris |
July 3, 1965 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Ukranian Krylati Dancers, Clifford Parkes, Maria Somers, Maurice Littleford, Keith Harris |
July 10, 1965 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Dod Lann, Candy Jones, The Blackjacks, Winston Bowers, Jack McCarton and Vicky |
July 17, 1965 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Defenders with Deirdre, Joseph Heeney, All Paige, Susan Steele, The Dinnam Ensemble |
July 2, 1966 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | July 9, 1966 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | July 16, 1966 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The In-Sect, Eddie Grant, Sheila Harris, Clive Dobbins, Walter Cornelius |
April 29, 1967 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Vicki and David, Jim Tattersall, Jimmy Jones, Diane Ward, Kenny Peter |
May 6, 1967 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Formula 4, Bob and Arthur, Tessa Wells, Terry Herbert, Roy Dell |
May 13, 1967 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Sonny Kaye and The Reds, Paul Wynter, Susan Richards, Steve Bryan, Nicolina |
March 16, 1968 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Don Leslie, The Blue Jays, The Birds 'N' Bees, Anthony Molyneux, Terence Hyde |
March 23, 1968 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The Birds 'N' Bees, Jo's Girls, The Emerald Showband, Lynn Collins, James Farish |
March 30, 1968 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | August 21, 1968 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | August 28, 1968 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | September 4, 1968 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gala Opportunity Knocks! | December 25, 1968 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | January 1, 1969 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Pam Shaw, Johnny Tudor, Maureen Thompson, Strawberry Jam, Ernesto |
January 6, 1969 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Raymond Morgan, The Norma Graves Formation Dancers, Thomas Barnshaw, Maxine Barrie, Leonard Blease |
September 8, 1969 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Bob Sharples and his Orchestra, Madge Lucas, The Little Ten, Lee Brooklyn, Phoenix City Smash Band |
September 15, 1969 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | September 22, 1969 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | June 15, 1970 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 The Black Abbots, Elizabeth Gale, The Gaytones, Meurig Davies, Benny Yorke |
June 22, 1970 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The Christine Lee Set, Desmond Brown, The Four Hardings, Carl Manning, Joy and Jennifer |
June 29, 1970 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Rickmansworth Players, Bonnie Langford, Alan Roper, Peggy Wright, Mike Hayden |
March 15, 1971 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Dawson Chance, Tyne Tees School of Karate Demonstration Team, Belmont Consort, Kenet and Jani, The Vocalaires |
March 22, 1971 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Tommy Smith, The Shirley Dunton Dancers, Andrew Dow, Alison Shaw, Rivers Invitation |
March 29, 1971 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The New Sounds Crusaders Steel Band, Neil Reid, Linda Bernard and Raymond Wilson, Brian Chamberlain, Celia Rowley |
November 8, 1971 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Marilyn Jeacle and The Ken Wayne Dancers, Grump and Gary, Lena Brent, Alice Gamble, The Blue Harmony Boys |
November 15, 1971 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The Aberystwyth Male Choir, The Torbay Tigerettes, Pamela Paterson, Bal Moane, The Mission Belles |
November 22, 1971 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Earnshaw Aqua Show, Steven Smith and Father, Moby Richards, The McLaughlin Dancers, Ruby and Pat Pattinson |
August 7, 1972 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 The Heavenly Hopes, Manuel Carillo, The Barcias, Betty Sacree, Jimmy Ryder |
August 14, 1972 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Stuart, Steven and Silver Mist, Kathleen Hooson, Sandra Hale, Pagan Chorus, In Accord |
August 21, 1972 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Alan Hibbert International Stunt Show, Clare Evelyn, The Light Fantastic, Lisa Shane, Alex Green and The Jack Sinclair Trio |
August 6, 1973 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Jackie Hamilton, The Improviros, Rosita and Charmaine, Michael Dobson, Suzi |
August 13, 1973 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Bob Sharples and his Orchestra, Samura Khan, Chris and Eileen O'Connor, Miriam Nathaniel, The Sid Gatley Band |
August 20, 1973 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Anderson Sisters, Freddie Corless, Suzanne Harris, The Chuck Fowler Trio, Our Ladies Operatic Group |
August 5, 1974 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Barbara Thompson, The Ostap Buriak Dancers, Shaun Connor, Rosemary Noble, Black Onyx |
August 12, 1974 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Ken and Steve, Salt and Pepper, Barbara Mathews, Alan Bailey, Kristen Casper |
August 19, 1974 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Warrington Youth Band, The Rouchelles, Dave Prince, Love Together, Robert Eaton |
September 29, 1975 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Del-Mere and Rosa, Guy Steel, Roger Morey, The Betty Fox Dancers, Scotch Mist |
October 6, 1975 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Hilary Green, The Kennedy Brothers, John Burke, Champagne, The Mini-Tones |
October 13, 1975 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Bob Sharples and his Orchestra, Alyosha and Igor, Jasper Britton, Spike Rawlings, Jean Wall |
October 4, 1976 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Karin Bosoni, Spooky, Bobby Wayne, Edith Chorley, The Cotton Mill Boys |
October 11, 1976 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Bob Sharples and his Orchestra, The Dot, Marty Williams, Elliot, Conspiracy |
October 18, 1976 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Berni Flint, The Ardmore Set Dancers, Mel Douglas and Wild Affair, Bernie Searle, Kymm |
September 19, 1977 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | September 26, 1977 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | October 3, 1977 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Bob Monkhouse From Belfast to London, Glasgow to Plymouth and Newcastle to Cardiff, the production team have travelled thousands of miles, auditioning more than 6,500 artists in their search for the stars of tomorrow. The next 13 weeks see the culmination of that mammoth and exciting challenge, in the only television talent show which is open to all. Tonight Opportunity Knocks for: Act 1: Four Wheel Drive, Act 2: Frankie Allen, Act 3: Zeitia Massiah Act 4: Kerry Wilson, Act 5: Kyriacos Kikis, Act 6: The Gravy Brothers |
March 21, 1987 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 The search for the stars of tomorrow continues. Tonight Opportunity Knocks for six artists drawn from the thousands who were auditioned throughout the British Isles. |
March 28, 1987 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The studio audience will vote for one of the six acts on tonight's show, but will you agree with their decision ? |
April 4, 1987 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 From Belfast to London, from Aberdeen to Exeter and from Newport to Newcastle, the production team have travelled the length and breadth of the country auditioning thousands of artists in the search for the stars of tomorrow. The next 13 weeks see the culmination of that exciting and enormous challenge in the only television talent showcase which is open to all. Tonight Opportunity Knocks for: Act 1 Air Theatre, Act 2 Boothby Graffoe, Act 3 Wendy Kane, Act 4 Darren Day, Act 5 Mystina, Act 6 Fingers and Thumbs |
March 5, 1988 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Who won last week's show ? Will you agree with this week's audience decision? Tonight it's your opportunity to be a star-maker, by casting your all-important telephone vote for the act which impresses you most - on the only television talent show which is truly open to all. The numbers to call are listed below - vote for the stars of tomorrow - tonight! |
March 12, 1988 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 There are six more new acts to choose from this week. Seize the opportunity to cast your telephone vote for the performance which impressed you most. The numbers to call are listed below. You decide who will be the stars of tomorrow - you are the star-maker. |
March 19, 1988 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | June 13, 1956 |
| Last aired | June 2, 1990 |
| Runtime | 30 minutes |
| Status | ended |