Hi-5 will return to the Nine Network when their brand new program launches at 9.00am on Monday, May 15, as part of the Go Kids program on 9Go! 

Bailey, Courtney, Joe, Shay and Lachie each bring unique talents to the quintet and all possess the triple-threat talent of singing, dancing and acting. This will be the first television series to feature the five new cast members, who were selected from over 450 applicants in a rigorous nationwide audition process late last year. 

“Since introducing Bailey, Courtney, Joe, Shay and Lachie to fans, they have dazzled audiences with their live performances and public appearances,” said Julie Greene, Executive Creative Director and Executive Producer for Hi-5. 

The 17th series of Hi-5 is bursting with energy, songs, bright modern costumes, vibrant sets and plenty of playful learning. It will feature new scripts, content and fresh new characters including the introduction of new puppets The Jupsters, and a brand new song called Hi-5 Danceoff that will get everyone on their feet – mums and dads included. 

“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 dynamic group burst onto the scene at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve in Melbourne, a concert televised to an audience of over two million viewers around Australia. The group also gained fans across the country during public appearances and live concerts in January and February.

Hi-5 was formed in Australia in 1998 to entertain children aged two to eight with music, movement, problem solving and play. Eighteen years later the children’s musical group is well known around the world, with an estimated audience of more than 10 million children globally enjoying Hi-5’s tours, music and TV shows. 

Hi-5 will head up the pre-school entertainment block Monday to Friday at 9.00am and be repeated at 2.30pm on 9GO! or you can catch up anytime on 9Now.

Meet the Cast

Lachie
Lachie (19) from Cronulla, 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
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 (25), 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, completed the HSC last year. 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 further information please contact:
Anna Gilfillan
Nine Network Publicity
03 9420 3457
Thursday, April 27, 2017