Tracy Grimshaw is infamous for producing hard-hitting news segments, but before her big break in television, the former host of A Current Affair tried in her hand in something a little less serious – beauty pageantry.
Thanks to The Australian Television Archive working their magic on a roll of lost and damaged film, we are able to see 18-year-old Tracy strut her stuff in a clip from the 1979 Victorian Miss Teen Quest.
As she made her entrance with a shy smile, the host of the pageant introduced Tracy, saying that the university student’s hobbies “are cycling and animals.”
WATCH BELOW: Tracy Grimshaw in a 1979 beauty Pageant
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The veteran Channel Nine presenter looks unrecognisable in the footage that was was uncovered and restored by James Paterson, the owner of the Australian Television Archive.
Paterson explained that the material was found in a skip bin destined for destruction, and due to the 44-year-old tape being in poor condition, extensive restoration work was required.
The head of the Archive was surprised to discover the footage featured a young Grimshaw and he had to double-check to make sure it was really her before sharing the clip online.
Tracey in 2022, left, Tracey in 1979, right.
(Image: Nine/Australian Television Archive)The show went to air on 23 May 1979 on HSV7 – and is believed to be a live screening.
Just two years later, in 1981, a 20-year-old Tracy embarked on her career with Nine as a news reporter.
Whilst the results of the pageant have not been able to be confirmed, Tracy’s eventuating career proves that she was a winner either way.
