Vikki Broughton’s beautiful rendition of ‘Close To You’ comes from the first episode of Young Talent Time. She was part of the cast from 1971 to 73.

Although the talent line-up changed throughout the variety show’s history (there were 40 cast members in all), this clip demonstrates how little the show’s basic formula changed over time: a focus on popular music sung by talented young people.

Microphone pops and clicks hamper the sound quality initially but there’s no denying Vikki’s natural talent and charm. The choreography feels somewhat awkward and the staging looks basic compared with later numbers in the show’s 18-year history, for example ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (1983) and ‘Neutron Dance’ (1986).

The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and made famous by The Carpenters.

The series ran from 1971 to 1988 with musician host Johnny Young and his team of young performers. This is episode 71/01 and was broadcast on 24 April 1971.

Notes by Beth Taylor