‘Street’ actor will attend Telethon

Press, 25 May 1985, Page 8

‘Street’ actor will attend Telethon

The British actor, Johnny Briggs, who plays Mike Baldwin in the television series, “Coronation Street,” is one of several overseas guests who have confirmed they will come to New Zealand for Telethon.

A Telthon organiser, Don Hutchings, said in Christchurch yesterday that Mr Briggs had been written out of two episodes of the series so he could attend Telethon on the week-end of June 29 and 30. Other confirmed overseas guests are two actors from the Australian soap opera, “The Young Doctors.” They are Chris King, who plays the orderly, Dennis, and Alan Dale, an expatriate New Zealander who plays Dr Forrest. Overseas entertainers who have confirmed they will participate are the Australian singer, Kamahl, and the

American country singer, Becky Hobbs. Mr Hutchings said that several other international entertainment personalities had been approached, and he expected more to confirm they would attend. A decision would be made 10 days before Telethon where the overseas artists would be based during the event. “They love it — they get totally involved. It has become the world’s most popular Telethon,” said Mr Hutchings. Mr Hutchings, who has worked on seven Telethons including the first in 1975, said that this year’s Telethon was seeking to attract artists who would appeal to children and young people. Proceeds go to the Child and Youth Development Trust.

Almost every significant showbusiness personality in New Zealand will, as usual, participate in. Telethon.

More than 500 acts will take part altogether.

The show will be anchored in Christchurch by the radio personality, Ken Ellis. Other anchormen will be Tom Bradley (Dunedin), Peter Sinclair (Auckland), Peter Williams (Wellington), John Hawkesby (Hamilton), and Bob Parker (Palmerston North). Mr Hutchings said that the most important new aspect of this year’s Telethon would be Jobathon, in which employers would be asked to telephone details of job vacancies to volunteer telephone staff. “If we get 50 to 100 kids placed in the week after Telethon, that in itself is an enormous success,” he said.

Many New Zealanders sent money to organisations which helped young people overseas.

“No-one argues with that, but there is a bit of help needed at home as well.”