The Go-Jos: 1964-1968

Jo Cook trained at the Pitt Draffen School in Northampton before earning a ballet qualification from the Royal Academy of Dancing. She began her professional career in the late 1950s with The Silhouettes, regularly appearing on "The Billy Cotton Show". By 1964, she was performing with The Beat Girls on BBC2’s "The Beat Room". After a contractual dispute split the group, Jo left and founded her own troupe—The Go-Jos, named in part after herself.

Later in 1964, producer Johnnie Stewart hired the Go-Jos for TOTP, where they debuted in November 1964, dancing to “Baby Love” by The Supremes. Initially a trio consisting of Pat Hughes, Linda Hotchkin, and Jane Bartlett, the group saw Jo replace Pat after a few performances. Jo eventually stepped away from performing to focus on choreography and management, expanding the group to a quartet with Barbara von der Heyde and Thelma Bignell.

In 1968, the Go-Jos became a six-member ensemble with the addition of Lesley Larbey and Wendy Hillhouse. Lesley trained at the Bush Davies School, while Wendy, a graduate of the Arts Educational School, had just returned from performing on cruise ships. However, this expanded line-up was short-lived—their final Top of the Pops performance was uncredited in April 1968, dancing to “Simon Says” by the 1910 Fruitgum Company.

The Go-Jos, after a three-year stint on Top of the Pops, gave way to Pans People, but the Go-Jos lived on, and they became regulars on "The Val Doonican Show". Due to increasing popularity, Jo formed multiple Go-Jo groups to meet bookings across various entertainment venues. New members included Bebe Robson and Dolores Bourne. The Go-Jos continued to appear on popular TV shows and even featured in the 1969 film "Moon Zero Two", choreographed by Jo. The Jo-Gos eventually disbanded in 1971.