Pat and Olivia back in Australia
On 27th January, 1966, Olivia Newton-John left Melbourne for London part of a prize awarded to her three years ago on “Sing, Sing, Sing”. The following April, 3XY announced Pat Carroll as the most promising Australian talent, and sent her off to London to try her luck.
Olivia left, originally only intending to stay for three months. “I didn’t want to go, and eventually went just out of curiosity.”
Pat, on the other hand, left full of ambitions. “I had an introduction to one of the biggest talent agencies, and although I only intended to stay for six months, I was prepared to work really hard, and try and make a name for myself.”
After working as single artists for a couple of months, Pat and Olivia found several obstacles in the way of success the market was already overcrowded with single female artists, and there was the loneliness of travelling long distances for engagements. At the suggestion of Seeker, Athol Guy. they formed a duo.
They appeared with all the best!
Then followed an impressive line-up of engagements. Appearances with top artists such as Tom Jones. The Hollies, The Seekers, Cliff Richard, and the Shadows, Dusty Springfield and Sid James. “Dick Emery, who comperes one of the biggest TV shows in England saw us working, and booked us for six consecutive appearances,”
How did they feel to be back in Australia?
Pat: “I feel very happy seeing my parents again, but things are different. Socially, it’s been a let down, coming back. Before I left. I had lots of friends, farewell parties, and all that. The first week back was fabulous, but after that, at nights when I wasn’t working. I sat at home thinking what can I do?”
“I suppose that it’s just because the scene has changed, old friends have got new interests, and generally. there are different people in the scene now.”
Olivia’s only comment was “I’m very happy to see Ian (Turpie) again!”.