Dannii Minogue has said her “heart is broken” after death of talent show host Johnny Young, who helped launch her career.
Minogue, 54, rose to fame in her native Australia aged eight when she was cast on the weekly music programme Young Talent Time, which Young presented and produced.
On Friday, Young’s family confirmed in a statement that he had died aged 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, as per Australian broadcaster ABC.
After news of his death was announced, Minogue paid tribute on Instagram.
Sharing a series of clips and photos of them together during her time on the show in the 1980s, she wrote: “Johnny Young holds a place in so many hearts, and today my heart is broken.
“He has so many achievements from his music and TV career, pop writing and releases, and family entertainment on our televisions. For me, this is where my career started, and generations of Aussies hold Young Talent Time and the song All My Loving so fondly in their memories.
“His show brought 17 years of colour, choreography, sequins, music and smiles to our Saturday nights.”
She added: “My heart goes out to his family and to his YTT family. From cast, crew and every Johnny Young Talent School member, this is a very sad Goodnight Australia.”
Minogue’s older sister Kylie – who also made appearances on Young Talent Time – commented on the post and shared: “Embedded into all our hearts and memories. YTT 4 Ever and RIP Johnny Young. My condolences to his family and all the YTT fans
“Such formative years for my sister and her team that became like family to her. I’m sending all my love for a group Goodnight Australia for the one and only Johnny Young.”
Young hosted Young Talent Time for its entire run from 1971 until 1988, with the show also credited with discovering other stars including Tina Arena.
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She also paid tribute to Young, writing on Instagram: “I’m struggling to find the words today to express the profound loss of a man who allowed, and equally encouraged, me to find my voice!
“Just know that you leave behind a beautiful legacy that we will continue to uphold because you deserve that, and much more. RIP darling John. Tina x.”
In a post shared on X, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Young gave Australia “the gift of joy”.
He wrote: “A wonderful singer in his own right, he established himself in our homes and our hearts as the genial and generous host of Young Talent Time, the launchpad for an incredible new generation of entertainers. How lucky we were to have him. May he rest in peace.”
Minogue left the show after six years in 1988 to focus on her acting career, where she was soon cast in Home And Away.
The performer went on to launch her music career in the 1990s, and has since released five albums, achieving nine Top 10 singles and 13 consecutive number-one dance singles in the United Kingdom.
She also acted as a judge on TV talent shows including The X Factor UK and Australia’s Got Talent, as well as hosting the BBC reality shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl.