In 1951 Doonican moved to England to join the Four Ramblers, who toured and performed on BBC Radio shows broadcast from factories, and on the "Riders of the Range" serials. He also began performing at United States Air Force bases. The Ramblers supported Anthony Newley on tour and recognising his talent and potential as a solo act, Newley persuaded him to leave the singing group and go solo. He was auditioned for radio as a solo act, and appeared on the radio show "Variety Bandbox". Soon after his solo career started, he had his own radio show as well as performing in concerts and cabaret. In the late 1950s, Doonican became one of the artists managed by Eve Taylor, the self-described "Queen Bee" of show business, who remained his manager until her death.