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Under the bright lights of the TV studio in Melbourne, the Young Talent Time crew were the shiny, happy and wholesome stars of a hit music show. But in reality they were kids with full-time jobs, trying to balance school with the crazy demands of show business. Add the rollercoaster of teenage hormones and avoiding getting beaten up at school for the whacky costume you wore on TV last week — being a teenage pop idol was hard work. One cast member, however was facing hardships no child should have to confront: abuse at the hands of someone she thought she could trust.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains references to sexual assault. If this raises any issues for you, there is help. Call 1800 RESPECT, or Lifeline on 13 11 14

THE END BITS

WITH THANKS TO:

John Young - Host and Executive Producer of Young Talent Time (1971-1988)

Vicki Thirlwell
Dannii Minogue
Tina Arena
Beven Addinsall
Joey Dee
Vince Deltito
Karen Knowles
Nicole Cooper
Debra Byrne


SOURCES:

Archival footage courtesy of John Young

Network 10
Sunrise, 7

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CREDITS:
Host: Emma Gillespie
Written and Produced by Sydney Pead & Emma Gillespie, with Holly Wainwright
Audio Production: Madeline Joannou
Executive Producer: Sydney Pead

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