Telethon 2023: Marcia Hines and Little Telethon Stars kick off 26-hour broadcast in style

A packed RAC Arena erupted in applause when Marcia Hines took to the stage with a powerful rendition of Disco Inferno to kick off an incredible 26 hours of Telethon with a bang.

Sporting a slick white suit, Hines was surrounded by dancers in sparkly, disco get-ups as she flexed her incredible vocals on stage.

Her amazing performance was followed by The Voice Australia 2023 contestant Caitlyn Bamber, who nailed her version of I’m So Excited.

Human Nature’s Phil Burton was up next, donning a bright pink suit as he danced across stage with a pitch-perfect rendition of The Isley Brothers’ Shout.

He was joined by a stellar line-up of stars to wrap up the opening performance before Channel 7’s own Basil Zempilas welcomed the crowd.

Zempilas reminded the crowd and those watching at home that this year’s motto was “the impossible is possible”, touching on the “magic of Telethon” before crossing to 7NEWS anchor legends Rick Ardon and Susannah Car, who started their time in the phone room.

David Strassman, Rhonda Burchmore and The Voice 2023 winner Tarryn Stokes are set to take the stage on Saturday night, with this year’s Little Telethon Stars — the real stars of the show — joining Sam Jolly and Ryan Daniels on the couch for a candid conversation.

Emily Houston, Sophia Marshall, Harrison Carthew and Connor Barrett beamed with joy as they told the duo about their Telethon experience so far.

Emily and Sophia shared their adorable secret handshake with the arena crowd, while Connor told Jolly about his violin-playing future.

Harrison admitted he loves baking cakes, jokingly replying “never” when Daniels asked the little star if he could bake him one.

The tiny-tots also told of their experience having Premier Roger Cook serve them milkshakes, before excitedly screaming “Go Marcia”, throwing to the disco diva for a second performance.

This weekend’s jam-packed bonanza sees Telethon veterans Lynne McGranger, Natalie Barr and Larry Emdur return, with Dr Chris Brown, Tim Robards and Anna Robards making their debut.

Bunbury-born Barr told The West that Telethon is “one of the best weekends of the year”, but McGranger revealed that the 26-hour event can be “hard work”.

“Telethon is hard work… you never stop… but it’s so rewarding and it’s so fun and everybody is so lovely. It’s just wonderful — I love it,” the Home and Away actor said.

She’s joined by fellow Summer Bay stars Kirsty Marillier, Matt Evans and Juliet Godwin — all hailing from WA — as well as Adam Rowland, Stephanie Panozzo and Jessica Redmayne.

West Coast fans are in luck with key forward Oscar Allen playing a part in this year’s spectacle, joined by Channel 7 sporting royalty in Ryan Daniels, Anna Hay and Abbey Gelmi.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to get cosy on the Telethon couch later tonight — surely nervous about John Bradley making a return in his lime green mankini.

He met with this year’s Little Telethon Stars on Friday, inside the prestigious Crystal Club at Crown Towers.

With just a few hours left of night one, Sunday’s stage is set to see another big lineup of stars.

Fans can expect The Rybka Twins, Emma Memma, Ant Middleton and Dr Harry Cooper, with Aussie rock icon Jimmy Barnes also set to make a special appearance.

Plus, the free Telethon Family Festival will return to the surrounding streets, down Wellington Street to Yagan Square.

Back and better than ever for its fourth year, the action-packed extravaganza — presented by Coles — will kick off at 10am and run until 4pm.

Tune into Channel 7 to catch all the action including unscripted moments, passionate performances and the infamous pie thrower, as well as your favourite Channel 7 stars singing, stripping, frolicking and flustering — all in the name of charity.

To donate, call 1300 737 507 or visit telethon7.com/donate.

Catch Telethon 2023 LIVE from RAC Arena on Channel 7 and 7plus