Breaking: Young Talent Time host Johnny Young dies

Johnny Young, the beloved host of the iconic Australian television show Young Talent Time, has passed away at the age of 79 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. The family of the beloved creator, host, and producer announced the news, sharing that he wrote and produced numerous hit songs, including The Real Thing and Smiley.

Young Talent Time, an enduring entertainment program, was broadcast from 1971 to 1988 and launched the careers of several prominent Australian artists, such as Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena. Each episode concluded with a singalong of The Beatles' All My Loving.

Johnny was honored with induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2010, a distinction celebrated by Tina Arena, who paid tribute to him by singing one of his tracks, Here Comes The Star, and describing him as her father figure for the support he provided in nurturing her talents on Young Talent Time. She added, "He's a dear man and I've never hidden the fact that he's the reason I'm still here 30 years later."

Before his famous tenure on Young Talent Time, Johnny was a successful solo singer, securing an Australian number one hit with Step Back. He also held the position of host for The Go!! Show in the 1960s, following the departure of Ian Turpie. Young Talent Time's host won a Logie for Best Teenage Personality in 1967 for his work on The Go!! Show.

Johnny Young leaves behind his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A son, Craig, had passed away. His family requested privacy and stated that the details of a memorial service would be announced at a later time. Born Johnny Benjamin De Jong, Johnny Young will be remembered fondly for his contributions to Australian entertainment and his nurturing influence on numerous aspiring artists.