Beven Addinsall, who found childhood fame on Australia's beloved television show Young Talent Time, has revealed a dramatic 25-kilogram weight loss as he prepares for a demanding new role as a cruise director.
From Teen Idol to High Seas Director
Now 54, Addinsall's life has been inextricably linked to performance since he joined the cast of the iconic Channel Ten series in 1983 as a 12-year-old. The show, which aired from 1971 to 1988, was a national phenomenon, launching the careers of stars like Dannii Minogue and Tina Arena.
Addinsall became a fan favourite alongside fellow teen idols Joey Perone, Vince Deltito, and Jamie Redfern. He credits the rigorous schedule—45 hours a week outside of school—with instilling a formidable work ethic that continues to drive him.
He has never left the stage, working as a headline entertainer and cruise director on ships, as well as performing in piano bars across the country.
The Weight Loss Secret and a New Adventure
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Addinsall shared that he recently shed an impressive 25kg in just 12 months. This marks his second significant weight loss journey, having previously lost 15kg before his marriage to wife Wendy in 2019.
His method is straightforward but demanding. "For me, it has always been about fasting," he explained. "So, don't eat after 7pm, don't eat until after 12pm, and don't eat processed sugar. It's pretty simple, really."
The motivation was practical. Addinsall has just accepted a new position as a cruise director on the Oceana Marina, a role he knew would be physically taxing. "I knew I was going back to cruise directing. It's such a busy job, I would have been dead on my feet trying to carry that weight around," he admitted.
His new contract will see him fly to Peru on December 14th to begin a marathon stint. "I'm going to work 12 to 15 hours a day for 130 days in a row," he said, noting the silver lining: "I get to see 13 countries that I haven't been to plus Antarctica and the Amazon."
Enduring Bonds and a Changing Industry
Despite the show ending almost four decades ago, Addinsall maintains strong friendships with his former castmates. In April, he reunited with iconic host Johnny Young and fellow stars Lorena Novoa and Joey Dee.
He also produced a four-hour reunion special for the show's 50th anniversary in 2021, bringing 25 team members together. "The amazing thing is, you just pick up where you left off. There's always such a lovely feeling in the room," he reflected.
He and other cast members plan to gather soon to commemorate what would have been the 50th birthday of former castmate Juanita Coco, who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1993 aged just 17.
Reflecting on the modern media landscape, Addinsall doubts a show like Young Talent Time could thrive today. "It's a hard sell... They've now got their faces in their phones and everything's streaming," he said, lamenting the loss of its family-friendly, nurturing appeal.
He is particularly critical of modern competition shows for children, such as The Voice Kids. "I was savagely against it, because it's really hard for kids to be able to process losing... I love the fact that we were nurtured and looked after," he stated, expressing eternal gratitude to the show's producers.
