Bailey, Courtney, Shay, Jo & Lachie are your pre-schooler’s new best friends
After the audition call went out in October 2016 that saw more than 450 hopefuls vie for the 5 coveted roles in the successful Channel 9 children’s TV series Hi-5, the successful new cast members were announced in December, and had their debut public performance at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne on Christmas Eve.
The audition process was promoted nationwide and looked specifically for ‘triple threat’ performers who had the best of acting, dancing and singing abilities that would appeal to children aged 2-5 years of age. “We were blown away with the enormous interest from performers across Australia wanting to be part of Hi-5,”Julie Greene, Executive Creative Director and Executive Producer for Hi-5, said. “The judging process was extremely tough with so much talent on show, but we know our audiences will fall in love with the new members, just like we have.” “We’re elated to have Hi-5 return to the Nine family. A new generation of Australian kids and parents will be able to discover this cherished children’s group reimagined for a modern world,”Hamish Turner, Nine Network Program Director, said.
The new members are Bailey Spalding, Courtney Clarke, Joe Kalou, Siobhan ‘Shay’ Clifford & Lachie Dearing. Courtney Clarke, Shay Clifford, Bailey Spalding, Joe Kalou & Lachie Dearing. Photo from Facebook/Channel 9
Here is a little more about each of the new Hi-5 members courtesy of www.nineentertainmentco.com.au. Lachie
Lachie (19), a sports fanatic, who thrilled Hi-5 live audiences when he began touring earlier this year, elected to re-audition for a role. He said: “I’m relieved and excited to be starting with a cast that are all new, similar ages and excited by the opportunity. Being in Hi-5 is such a humbling and rewarding experience.” Bailey
Former Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) graduate and X Factor Australia contestant Bailey (19), from Perth, says making the cast was a lifelong ambition. “Wow! I cried when I found out. I’ve been so emotionally invested in Hi-5 and have dreamt of being in the show since I was a little girl.” Joe
Joe (24), based on the NSW Central Coast, is a regular performer, doing live gigs and touring, including with the late Jon English in The Rock Show, nationally and in Sweden. “I was on my way to a gig when my agent gave me the good news and decided to drive home and tell my parents face-to-face. There were tears all around,” he said. Courtney
Courtney (18), from the Blue Mountains in NSW, has just undertaken a gap year volunteering in Cambodia where she worked on community projects including building a primary school. Shay
Shay (18), also from the Blue Mountains, has just completed the HSC. She discovered her love of musical theatre at 13 and has been performing ever since. “When I received the call that I had made the cast I cried and mum and I headed out to celebrate,” she said.
For more information on the cast & Hi-5 visit www.hi-5world.com.
Follow Hi-5 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hi5official
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