Spicks and Specks was a career launchpad for more than just its beloved hosts

Premiering all the way back in 2005, Spicks and Specks had the auspicious honour of scooping up some fresh faces to be Myf Warhurst's and Alan Brough's teammates, blissfully unaware of how rapidly their stars would rise in the future.

Now there's a new season of Spicks and Specks running around the traps, and those up-and-comers have now stepped out into the world, becoming performers you know and love.

So, we dipped into the archives to show you just how far they've come.

Hamish Blake — First appearance: 2005

Look in wonder and delight at the fresh face and blunt bangs of a 23-year-old Hamish Blake on one of the first episodes of Spicks and Specks, all the way back in February 2005. 

Back then, Hamish was only two years into his partnership with Andy Lee and still a month out from the premiere of the Hamish & Andy show.

He would go on to feature in more than 50 other episodes despite not being super good at music trivia. (Not that he ever let that stop him.) Here he is in 2011 with a significantly moppier hairstyle, singing alongside Australian musical theatre stalwart Anthony Warlow.

Gotye — First appearance: 2007

Many people, and especially Americans, refuse to believe that Wally De Backer — aka Gotye — was a respected and prolific musician in Australia BEFORE he slapped on the geometric paint to sing about somebody he used to know.

So here it is in all its 2007 glory: old mate Wally talking about how he puts together his computer music, while Adam Hills introduces him by both his real name and pseudonym. Okay, is that settled? Now go listen to Heart's a Mess.

Florence Welch — First appearance: 2010

Florence & The Machine had already been earmarked for greatness by the time its lead singer popped up on Spicks and Specks, six months after the release of their debut Lungs.

It's almost shocking to see Flo sandwiched between Alan and comedian Dave Callan, knowing the megastar journey she was about to embark on. Just hearing Adam Hills call Dog Days Are Over a "new single" might give you a lil' punch in your chest.

But Flo turns out to be a pretty handy teammate; I'm sure Spicks and Specks would love to have her next time she drops by Australia for an arena tour.

Hannah Gadsby — First appearance: 2010

In 2024, Hannah Gadsby is an internationally renowned, Emmy award-winning comedian, who recently featured on John Mulaney's Netflix talk show Everybody's in LA.

Back in 2010 they'd been in the Australian comedy scene for a few years and were diving into their third solo show", The Cliff Young Shuffle. Their hair might be flatter and their suits a more earthy colour palette, but Hannah's trademark wry humour shines through in this short clip.

Two years after this episode, Adam Hills would pick Hannah as his offsider on his short-lived talk show, Adam Hills in Gordon St Tonight. Five years later they would debut Nanette and totally shake up the way that people conceptualise stand-up comedy.

Sia — First appearance: 2010

Sia is another one of those artists who has a very different impact on US audiences compared to those at home in Australia.

It was almost baffling in the early 2010s when overseas audiences were fascinated with the mysterious writer who was penning songs for Rihanna and Beyoncé while also consistently hiding her face behind wigs.

Sia stopped by Spicks and Specks just before her fame blew up internationally, the notoriety leading her to hide the blonde larrikin that snapped up Hottest 100 spots and heartily joked about her family that Aussies already knew.

Adam might be congratulating Sia on her ARIA wins in 2010, but before the decade was out she would pick up nine Grammy nominations.

Watch Spicks and Specks on Sundays at 7:30pm on ABC TV or stream anytime on ABC iview.