[JAS84]

Opportunity Knocks was less demanding of contestants than BGT since, for the former, acts only had to perform once and that was it. The winner came back the following week but they could do the same routine if they wanted to. New Faces was different in that there was a tournament structure but unlike BGT the semi finals and final weren't done and dusted within a week. It could be months before you saw the same person again so contestants had time to hone their act, and yes, not be over-publicised. Both shows ran for 30+ episodes at points so it was easier to stay out of the limelight then than it is now.

New Faces ran for just five years before ending in 1978 - the same year as Opportunity Knocks funnily enough. I've read that OK was axed not because of ratings but complaints about Hughie Green using the show as a soapbox for his own political agenda. Can't find anything about why New Faces was axed - anyone know?

Both Opportunity Knocks and New Faces were revived in the 80s (OK 1987-90 and NF 1986-88) - in fact James Stone from BGT 2008 was also on New Faces of 1986.

Given that New Faces was on ITV, it ending in 1978 may well be because of the 1979 strike? They were forced to miss a year, and just didn't end up coming back for several years?