Where is Johnny Young now? The Young Talent Time host makes a rare TV appearance

He was the driving force behind Young Talent Time and also hosted the show for the entire run of the original series.

And Johnny Young delighted fans when he made a rare appearance on Studio 10 for an interview on Friday.

The 73-year-old veteran host reflected on the iconic Australian show ahead of the 50 year anniversary of its premiere.

‘It is going to be a great year for Young Talent Time fans because it started in 1971 so [next year will be] 50 years and we are going to get together and have a fantastic reunion,’ he said.

He added:’We are going to do television specials and live concerts and it’s just going to be mighty and you will see all of your favourites like Joey Perrone, all of them.’

Johnny went on to say it was ‘wonderful’ working alongside Tina Arena, who was the longest serving cast member on the show.

‘She just loved to sing. She is just absolutely wonderful and she keeps getting more wonderful and more wonderful,’ he said.

‘I get lovely messages from Tina. She is a mensch, she is just a superstar and a half.’

Johnny hosted Young Talent Time for the entire run of the original series from 1971 to 1988.

The variety show featured a core group of teen and pre-teen performers who would sing both classic songs and hits of the day while young hopefuls competed in a weekly talent quest.

The show proved hugely popular and spawned no less than 15 albums and a slew of merchandise including board games and swap cards.

Johnny also had a pop career in the 1960s and hosted music program The Go Show before penning number one hits for Russell Morris – The Real Thing and The Girl That I Love – as well as Ronnie Burns’ chart-topper Smiley.

The titular host was inducted into the TV Week Logies Hall of Fame in 1990 for his nearly two decades on the show.