Midday (Australian TV program)

Midday
Also known as	Midday with Kerri-Anne (1996–1998)
Genre	Variety
Presented by	Ray Martin (1985–1993) Derryn Hinch (1994) Tracy Grimshaw and David Reyne (1995) Kerri-Anne Kennerley (1996–1998)
Country of origin	Australia
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	14
Production
Location(s)	Sydney, New South Wales
Running time	90 minutes
Release
Original network	Nine Network
Picture format	4:3 (PAL)
Audio format	Stereo
Original release	11 February 1985 – 27 November 1998
Chronology
Followed by	Kerri-Anne

Midday (commonly referred to as The Midday Show) is an Australian award winning television show, that aired on the Nine Network on 11 February 1985 until 27 November 1998. The show aired, like its title suggests, at noon, on a weekday schedule, and was a 90-minute variety programme with international and local guests. It featured interviews, musical performances and comedy spots. The format of the show was similar to that of its predecessor, The Mike Walsh Show, which it replaced in the lunch time slot.

Leading Mike Walsh's resignation from The Mike Walsh Show, Ray Martin was appointed as his successor in 1985, despite being known primarily as a journalist from 60 Minutes. The program was re-titled to The Midday Show with Ray Martin, which was later shortened to Midday with Ray Martin, and finally Ray Martin at Midday in 1993. Although Martin was seen as a shock choice at the time of his appointment, he soon became increasingly popular with viewers.

During his time on the show, a highly publicised on-air scuffle took place in 1991 between former pop idol Normie Rowe and radio personality Ron Casey.

While Martin was at the helm, members of the Midday on-camera team included band leader Geoff Harvey; comedians Graham Pugh, Ross Daniels (actor), Ewan Campbell; trumpeter Bob Bouffler; and pre Big Brother (Australia) star Gretel Killeen. Ray Martin remained as host until late 1993, when he was moved to replace Mike Willessee as host of A Current Affair, which had seen a ratings decline over the previous year.

Martin ended up being a popular host on the show. He won the Gold Logie for his role 3 times – in 1987, 1993 and 1994. He was nominated for the award in 1986, 1990, 1991 and 1992.

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