Music Shop, The – Nostalgia Central

1 9 5 5 – 1 9 5 6 (UK)
30 minute episodes
1 9 5 8 – 1 9 6 0 (UK)
30 minute episodes

ATV launched The Music Shop on 24 September 1955, the very first Saturday on air for Independent Television.

The show aired weekly on Saturdays at 3:00 pm and was broadcast under various titles, starting as ABC Music Shop and later becoming ATV Music Shop.

Initially hosted by Canadian-born broadcaster Gerry Wilmot who was cast in the role of ‘Shop Keeper’, guests included the usual suspects seen on TV up to that point such as Lita Roza, Anne Shelton, Bert Weedon and Joe Loss, with a sprinkling of new talent discovered by producer Dicky Leeman, such as close harmony singers the Tanner Sisters and a nine-fingered pianist called Bill McGuffie.

Musical backing was provided by a group led by Tommy Maxwell and Ted Brennan.

There were also competitions, including a mystery voice challenge.

The programme ran for a year, ending in October 1956. The show was revived in 1958 with Teddy Johnson as host, running until February 1960.

Host
Gerry Wilmot
Teddy Johnson