Aussie Young Talent Time star Bobby Driessen dead at 56

The death of one of the stars of iconic Australian TV program Young Talent Time has “come as quite a shock” to those involved with the show.

Former Young Talent Time star Bobby Driessen has died aged 56.

The former teen star’s death was revealed overnight on the official Facebook page for the beloved variety program, which ran from 1971 until 1988.

Driessen appeared on the show, which was hosted by record producer Johnny Young and launched the careers of Australian stars including Dannii Minogue, Tina Arena and Debra Byrne, from 1979 to 1983.

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Driessen aged 18 in 1984, the year after he left Young Talent Time.

Minogue paid tribute to Driessen on Instagram today, calling him “a kind gentle soul, with bucketloads of charisma.

“We were a family on Young Talent Time. Bobby will be missed by his family, friends and fans,” she wrote.

Driessen (top) with the cast of Young Talent Time, including Tina Arena (middle right) and Dannii Minogue (bottom right).

Driessen and Karen Dunkerton on Cartoon Company.

“All of us here at Young Talent Time, are incredibly saddened to hear the news of Bobby Driessen, one of our beloved team members, has passed away in his sleep. Only 56 years old, way too young to have left us. Bobby you will be sadly missed,” read a post on the Young Talent Time Facebook page overnight.

Meanwhile, Arena also paid tribute with a sweet post on Instagram, saying Driessen was the “sweetest man”.

Host Johnny Young wrote that Bobby “was one of the most popular members of the Young Talent team”.

“He was a gentle, loving young man who still has many fans. Thanks for the many great shows we did together. Bobby, we will never forget you,” he said.

Performer Beven Addinsall, who replaced Driessen when he left the show, also added a tribute of his own, writing: “In 1983 I joined Young Talent Time. The team member I replaced was Bobby Driessen. A uniquely talented funny and charismatic person. I’m so saddened to hear that Bobby has passed away in his sleep. He was only 56 and it has come as quite a shock. Vale Bobby Driessen.”

Following his departure from Young Talent Time, Driessen went on to host Cartoon Company with Karen Dunkerton in 1985.