The Casuals, although British, spent several years honing their skills in mainland Europe, particularly Italy, where they based themselves for a while before they returned to Britain in 1967. In 1968, they were successful in Opportunity knocks, a TV talent series. Mary Hopkin was another singer that became famous that year via the same series. Following their success on Opportunity knocks, the Casuals had their first and only major hit, Jesamine, which reached number two on the UK charts, second only to Those were the days, a song performed by Mary Hopkin.
After Jesamine, the Casuals had a minor hit with Toy and their album sold well but that was the end of their UK success. Roy Wood provided them with a song, Caroline, but even that didn't get the Casuals back in the UK charts.
- P D Harris