Robert Irwin made history as the youngest master of ceremonies at the TV WEEK Logie Awards on Sunday evening, taking the stage at The Star in Sydney for Australian television's annual night of nights.
The host opened the ceremony by declaring the role a massive honour before launching into a monologue targeting television executives and absent celebrities. Irwin addressed industry expectations directly, telling the crowd he rejected the idea that an awards show host must be cynical.
"People say they've told me you know awards show host needs to cynical," Irwin said. "I've never bought into that, I'm a positive guy. Which is why I took it at face value when Channel 10 said that I'm a Celebrity was having a great season and it's future was secure..."
Irwin also poked fun at prospective programming changes at Network 10. "Speaking of beloved shows, apparently I hear Channel 10 is developing a reboot of Hughesy. We have a problem," Irwin said. "I think it’s called No, seriously, Hughesy, we have a problem."
While some viewers criticized the opening monologue as painful and a horrific trainwreck, Irwin drew attention by targeting former Today show presenter Karl Stefanovic, who skipped the ceremony despite receiving a nomination. Irwin joked that organisers needed fewer bartenders due to Stefanovic's absence, alongside barbs from stars regarding the former presenter's views on Covid vaccines and far-right opinions. Seven Network Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr appeared unimpressed by the jokes directed at Stefanovic.
Red Carpet Fashion Highlights
Television stars gathered at the venue in Sydney's Pyrmont earlier in the evening, arriving in plunging gowns and tuxedos. The arrival carpet featured bold fashion choices, shimmering sequins, and elevated footwear.
Original Heartbreak High actress Kym Wilson made a rare public appearance at the ceremony. The 53-year-old Australian actress turned heads on the red carpet in a floor-length black gown featuring a plunging neckline, sheer panels, and intricate floral detailing.
Gold Logie nominees were treated to luxury gift bags valued at 3,000 dollars. The packages included hand cream, lip balm, candles, and neck firming serum for contenders competing for the night's top honour.
Radio presenter Carrie Bickmore returned to the spotlight after stepping back from television following her exit from Network 10 current affairs show The Project. The 45-year-old presenter wore a low-cut animal print gown that highlighted her recent weight loss.
Sports presenter Abbey Gelmi displayed her trim physique on the red carpet. Gelmi wore a tulle bandeau top paired with a see-through skirt for the event.
Sequins and Dramatic Ensembles
Channel Seven presenter Sonia Kruger suffered a wardrobe malfunction shortly after arriving alongside co-host Dr Chris Brown. The 60-year-old star left a trail on the red carpet as several sequins detached from her dress train while she walked past cameras.
Despite the falling sparkles, Kruger wore a plunging bronze gown with a tassel train that displayed her cleavage and toned legs, paired with sky-high heels. She styled her platinum blonde hair in soft waves and matched her makeup to her dress.
Former Sunrise co-host Samantha Armytage debuted a dramatic transformation on the red carpet. The usually conservative 48-year-old presenter wore a revealing disco-inspired jumpsuit by designer Carla Zampatti, featuring a neckline slashed down to just above her navel.
Armytage added hair extensions for extra volume and completed her Seventies-themed ensemble with a fluffy Scanlan Theodore handbag and a chunky gold cuff.
Today Extra presenter Sylvia Jeffreys showcased her baby bump on the red carpet just hours after announcing she is expecting her third child. The 40-year-old presenter wore a navy floor-length gown featuring long sleeves, a small neckline cut-out, and gathered detailing around her growing bump.
