Elliott was born in Everton, Liverpool, England, but grew up in Lewisham, New South Wales, Australia. He was educated at Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham and attended the University of Sydney for a law degree. While studying as a Sydney student, Elliott worked part-time on a radio show and ended up on Good Morning Australia He also appeared as the Australian anchorman for the 1984 Olympic Concert Gala. The gala marked his third trip to Los Angeles, as he had earlier flown to Los Angeles to fill in as host of American Top 40 first in 1979 and again in 1980. At the time of his first AT40 appearance, which introduced him to American audiences, he was the youngest substitute host in the program's history.