A New Chapter for Australian TV Icons: Helena Bailey and Victoria Nicolls Embrace the Spotlight Again
The familiar faces and voices that once graced Australian living rooms are making a triumphant return, thanks to an innovative talent agency dedicated to revitalising the careers of seasoned performers. Miss Helena, the beloved host of the classic children’s show Romper Room, is once again capturing attention, proving that age is no barrier to enduring appeal.
“I was in the supermarket the other day, reaching to get something off the shelf, and somebody recognised my hands, although they’re old and scraggy now,” laughs the children’s TV legend. “I get noticed in the strangest places!” Her distinctive blonde hair, boundless enthusiasm, and unmistakable voice remain as captivating as ever, ensuring she’s instantly recognisable even decades after her peak.
Having navigated personal challenges, including a brave battle with breast cancer and the profound loss of her husband, veteran weatherman Mike Bailey, in 2021, Miss Helena, whose real name is Helena Bailey, is embracing new opportunities. “My mother always said, ‘Don’t grow old and rust,’ so I’m very happy to be present and doing things,” she shares. “What’s the choice? I’m open to what life brings.” At 78, she’s not looking for online romance or reality dating shows. “My daughter says men always want younger women,” she jokes. “Someone would have to be in their late 90s to be interested in me!”
Instead, the former schoolteacher, who still proudly possesses Romper Room‘s magical Magic Mirror, has joined The Publicity Arm’s Retro Talent Division. This forward-thinking agency specialises in representing experienced actors and celebrities, offering them a fresh platform to showcase their talents. Miss Helena is in esteemed company.
A Stellar Line-Up of Retro Talent
The Retro Talent Division boasts an impressive roster of Australian entertainment royalty:
- Rowena Wallace: A distinguished Gold Logie winner, known for her impactful roles across Australian television.
- Tony Barber: Another Gold Logie recipient and a beloved host of iconic game shows.
- Peta Toppano: An AFI Award nominee with a versatile acting career.
- Victoria Nicolls: Formerly known as Raeleen Archer on the 1970s soap The Restless Years and a memorable face from Sale Of The Century.
- Craig Bennett: A popular television host with a long history in the industry.
- Ryan Clarke and Kristy Wright: Recognised for their roles in the long-running soap opera Home And Away.
Victoria Nicolls, who first gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the charming Raeleen Archer in the 1970s, expresses her excitement. “Stay tuned for the next exciting adventure,” she chuckles. “It’s great to be represented by people who really know me, know what I’m capable of. I don’t have to explain myself or where I come from.”
Life Beyond the Small Screen: Embracing the Countryside
Victoria has recently relocated from Sydney to the New South Wales south coast, a move that has deeply enriched her life. “I’m just in love with the countryside, the sunsets, the mist, the blankets of cockatoos, the Great Dividing Range in the distance…” she enthuses.
Her new rural lifestyle is filled with simple joys. “I sing to the cows at the bottom of my garden,” she shares with a laugh. “When it rains the river rises, so I have a waterfront view. And the people are lovely.” While locals occasionally do a double-take, they offer warm smiles. “It happened in Woolworths recently. I was wearing a big orange shirt, my spy shirt, so nobody would notice me coming!” she jokes.
Like Miss Helena, Victoria, an avid home renovator, is eager to return to the screen. She has specific aspirations for her next roles. “I’d like to do a bag lady role,” she says, a proud mother of two daughters. “Or a retired detective who’s brought back for a case she could never solve in the past because she was ignored.”
The Retro Agency: Giving Classic Talent a New Platform
The driving force behind this resurgence is Maria Grande, who co-founded The Retro Agency with veteran show business publicist and media agent Stephen Moriarty. Maria has dedicated years to organising fan events for beloved cast members from shows like Prisoner, Neighbours, and Sons And Daughters. She witnessed firsthand the struggles many older performers faced in finding work, particularly with the increasing demand for self-filmed audition tapes and the unfortunate prevalence of unscrupulous individuals preying on them.
“Honestly, there were horror stories that broke my heart,” says Melbourne-based Maria, 57, who has a background in performance training. “Everyone thinks retro means old, but it doesn’t. It’s a classic revisited. And that’s what we are aiming to do with wonderful artists who have contributed so much to the entertainment industry, and still have so much to offer.” The Retro Agency aims to provide a supportive and professional environment, ensuring these cherished Australian icons can continue to share their immense talent with new and existing audiences.
