Daryl Somers drops big hint as he scoops up prestigious award: ‘Seriously considered’

Hey, Hey It’s Saturday star Daryl Somers has been given a top award – and dropped a huge hint about his future.

Daryl Somers has hinted that he may take his iconic former show out on tour as he picked up a prestigious award on Monday.

The TV veteran, 72, was named Victorian of the Year during a ceremony at Melbourne Town Hall, where he revealed he was “serious” about touring highlights from Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

The variety show launched Somers’ career and ran for nearly three decades up until 1999, but has returned for brief reunions in the years since.

Accepting the honour for his charitable contributions and services to entertainment on Monday, the presenter told the audience he was a “performer at heart” and missed the excitement of live entertainment.

Victorian of the Year, Daryl Somers. Picture: David Caird

He received his award from acting Lord Mayor Nicolas Reese. Picture: David Caird

“I’m seriously considering going out and touring with the archives because we’ve digitised well over 20 years worth of Hey Hey,” Somers revealed.

“There are some marvellous backstories to things that happened over that time.”

Livinia Nixon, Daryl Somers and Ossie Ostrich on the set of Hey Hey It's Saturday. Picture: Channel 9

Elsewhere during his speech, the Gold Logie winner admitted the award had come at a difficult time following the death of his close friend and former co-star, John Blackman.

Blackman, who served as Hey, Hey’s voiceover artist for the show’s entire run, had suffered ill health in recent years as he dealt with cancer and passed away on June 4.

“It is an honour, I’m a born-and-bred Victorian,” he said.

“You think about the highs and lows in life and this is a high for me at the end of a rather solemn week.

“Last week, we laid to rest my dear friend John Blackman. John was a passionate and loyal Victorian as well.

“He is not here, but in part I’d like to dedicate this award to him because we had an endearing friendship. I love the guy – we went back over 50 years.”

Somers also thanked his team and made a special dedication to his wife, Julie.

“I relish the opportunity to publicly thank Julie for supporting me throughout my career,” he said.

Along with his lengthy career on screen, Somers has also been involved with plenty of charities over the years, including Lost Dogs Home, Kids Under Cover and Camp Quality.

Originally published as Daryl Somers drops big hint as he scoops up prestigious award: ‘Seriously considered’