It is one of the most iconic television shows to ever adorn Australian screens, and its presenters are among the most recognizable faces in the country.
And after more than 50 years on the air, the ABC Play School is more popular than ever with children, with around 80% of children under the age of six.
Play School debuted in July 1966 and continues to grow, broadcasting three times a day on weekdays and twice a day on weekends.
Beloved: ABC’s Play School, one of the most iconic TV shows to have ever adorned Australian screens, and its presenters are among the most recognizable faces in the country. But where were they eating now? Pictured: John Hamblin and Benita Collings
In 2006, Play School entered the Logies’ Hall of Fame and solidified as one of the most important television shows in the history of Australia.
Many beloved presenters have graced the sound stage of the program, pursuing an incredible career once they have passed.
Benita collings
Then: Benita Collings is one of the most famous and oldest presenters of Play Schools, appearing in the series between 1969 and 1999.
Now: Now 79, Benita has also had a successful career in film, television and the stage, while traveling to Hollywood, appearing alongside Nicholas Cage in the 2009 film Know
Benita Collings, now 79, is one of Play Schools’ most famous and oldest presenters, appearing in the series between 1969 and 1999.
Benita also had a successful career in film, television and the stage, while traveling to Hollywood, appearing alongside Nicholas Cage in the 2009 film Know.
His television career includes time on dramas such as The Restless Years, The Sullivans, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters and A Country Practice and others.
Then: the presenter of English origin John Hamblin appeared on Play School between 1970 and 1999
Now: After leaving Play School, the 89-year-old appeared on All Saints and Love My Way in the 2000s before retiring to Tasmania in 2009.
John hamblin
English-born presenter John Hamblin, 84, appeared on Play School between 1970 and 1999.
An actor also known for his role in The Restless Years, and like Michael Chamberlain in the 1984 film, The Disappearance of Azaria Chamberlain.
After leaving Play School, John appeared on the television shows All Saints and Love My Way in the 2000s before retiring to Tasmania in 2009.
Then: Monica Trapaga, singer and jazz actress, was on Play School between 1990 and 1998
Now: now 54, she continued as a decorator appearing on Better Homes and Gardens from 1997 to 2003 and has published a number of cookbooks
Monica Trapaga
Monica Trapaga, 54, singer and jazz actress, appeared on Play School between 1990 and 1998.
She then worked as a decorator in Better Homes and Gardens from 1997 to 2003.
Monica continued to record jazz albums in the 1990s, as well as writing several cookbooks, the most recent of which, A Bite of the Big Apple: My food adventure in New York, was published in 2013.
In 2016, she appointed the head of the Australian jury for the 2016 Eurovision song contest.
Then: The born English actor John Waters appeared in the children’s program between 1972 and 1991. In the photo by Bettina Collings
Now: An established television actor, the 71-year-old played in the ABC TV Rake series in 2015 and on Mystery Road in 2018, while having a scenic career.
John Waters
English-born actor John Waters, 71, appeared in the children’s program between 1972 and 1991.
After leaving the show, John starred in numerous musical theater shows, most notably as Gomez Addams in The Addams Family musical in 2013.
He is also an established television actor, with the ABC TV Rake series in 2015 and Mystery Road in 2018.
Then: George Spartels (left) was a presenter on Play School between 1985 and 1999
Now: However, he may well be better known for playing Benito Alessi in the Neighbors soap opera in the 90s and is currently touring the world as a stage actor.
George Spartels
George Spartels, 65, was a presenter on Play School for 14 years between 1985 and 1999.
However, he is perhaps best known for playing Benito Alessi in the Neighbors soap opera in the 1990s, as well as in All Saints and the Packed to the Rafters.
He is also a theater actor, currently touring Canada, Australia and the United States with the play The Last Confession.
Then: Noni Hazlehurst is a beloved Australian actress who presented on Play School between 1978 and 2001
Now: Recently, the 65-year-old starred in the ABC TV comedy The Letdown in 2016 and in the new series The End in 2019, on which she is currently appearing on
Noni Hazlehurst
Noni Hazlehurst, 65, is a beloved Australian actress who presented on Play School between 1978 and 2001.
She had an incredible career in film, television and recorded several albums, while being known for having hosted Better Homes and Gardens between 1995 and 2005.
Recently, she starred in the ABC TV comedy The Letdown in 2016 and in the new series The End in 2019, on which she is currently appearing.
Then: Jay Laga’aia is an actor born in New Zealand and presented who was on Play School between 2000-2014
Now: Jay, 56, has taken a crack in Hollywood, appearing in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in the 2000s
Jay Laga’aia
Jay Laga’aia, 56, is an actor born in New Zealand and presented who was on Play School between 2000-2014.
He pursued a brilliant career, starring a number of television shows such as Water Rats and Home And Away.
Jay even took a crack in Hollywood, appearing in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith in the 2000s.
Recently, Jay appeared on the reality show I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! Australia and its own children’s show, Jay’s Jungle, until 2018.
Popular: After more than 50 years on the air, the ABC Play School is more popular than ever with children, with around 80% of children under the age of six.