The show was originally hosted by Hughie Green from 1956 to 1978 before going off air for almost 10 years.

It was revived from 1987 to 1990, hosted initially by Bob Monkhouse and subsequently by Les Dawson in 1990.

The winner of the show was decided by the viewing public and the revival was notable for being the first TV show to decide its winner using the now-standard method of a telephone vote.

In both versions the studio audience's reaction to each act was measured by a "clapometer", but this did not count towards the final result.