“Olivia was a gorgeous girl with a sweet voice, and as soon as she and Ian sang together there was amazing chemistry – he was bowled over by her and she fell hard for him.”
The young sweethearts captured the attention of the nation, but according to friends, Olivia’s mum Irene was the quintessential “stage mum” who had big plans for her daughter. “As soon as the romance started getting really serious she whisked Olivia off to London, leaving a broken-hearted Ian behind,” explains another family friend.
Olivia was soon on a path to stardom, while Ian, who went on to become an Aussie TV game show legend affectionately known as Turps, met another beautiful blonde, Jan.
The 68-year-old - most famously known for his stint as host of the game show The New Price is Right - died peacefully surrounded by his family following a year-long battle with cancer.
Turpie's last official public performance was in March last year as compere of The Go!! Show Gold reunion concert at Melbourne's Palais Theatre.
Mario Maiolo, producer of the reunion tour, says a memorial concert is expected to be held for Turpie, who was scheduled to perform at another upcoming Go!! Show reunion event in Sydney in May, according to News Ltd newspapers.
Maiolo told The Australian the memorial concert would likely be held in Melbourne.
The Go!! Show hit television screens in 1964 and became the must-watch music show for the teenagers of the day.
The show which was hosted by Turpie featured names such as Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Young and Normie Rowe.
Turpie is survived by his wife of 44 years Jan and children Michelle, Sacha and Joshua and grandchildren.
"He adored his family, friends, co-workers and fans over the past 50+ years," a statement from the Turpie family said.
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