The word “droll” isn’t necessarily a word we’d use to describe Tony Armstrong, but surprisingly, the popular TV presenter claims it’s a term that is often used for him when he’s presenting the ABC’s News Breakfast.
So when the opportunity arose to host a new show, Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things, the former AFL star jumped at it – and the chance to display his funny side.
“I’ve always been told I’m very droll on the news, so it’s a good opportunity to get out there and show everyone I like laughing,” he tells TV WEEK. “It is my first proper swing at anything outside the news, and I’m just really proud of it.”
The show sees Tony, 34, bike ride around the country in search of special objects that unlock Australia’s hidden histories, and which, up until now, have been kept a secret.
From a commemorative pin given to a builder that worked on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, to a novelty-sized cheque which kick-started the gender pay gap discussion in professional surfing, to the conti roll sandwich that is credited with giving Australians the first taste of authentic Italian cuisine in 1953, Tony says the “extra-ordinary things” aren’t confined to the typical artefact you’d see in a museum. “And that’s what makes it so fun,” he explains.
“The items could literally be anything,” he continues. “We just looked for a broad range of things. We didn’t want to shy away from difficult topics, but we also wanted to tell fun, goofy stories, as well as try and reflect the cross section of Australia as best we could.”
In fact, one of Tony’s favourite ‘objects’ comes in the form of 12-year-old Indigenous boy Inkabee, who, alongside his father, is living out his dream of becoming a rap star.
“Meeting him and his father and seeing such a positive example of Black fatherhood, which is the biggest negative trope you could have in a family structure in Western society, was just amazing,” he says. “His spirit and strength really carried me.”
As for his own treasure trove of “extra-ordinary” things, Tony singles out a drum skin he had signed by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith when he was 16.
“I wagged a school footy game to go down to Preston to see him perform [and get it signed] and I used to take it everywhere with me,” he says.
At that time, Tony says, footy was a mere back-up plan – his real dream was to pursue music. He wanted to impress Chad during that meeting so the drummer would invite him on tour. He soon found out, however, that his rock star dream wasn’t meant to be.
“The only thing holding me back was talent,” he laughs. “And now all my mates are great musicians, so I’m just jealous.
“Even my girlfriend [Rona Glynn-McDonald] is a freak musician. I’m so outclassed [by her] in every vertical.”
And while his dreams of music stardom were short-lived, Tony has still managed to do extraordinary things in other arenas – and it’s something he still struggles to comprehend.
“I’ve got to admit, I am still coming to grips with how things have been going,” the TV WEEK Logie Award winner says.
“Because fundamentally all I’m trying to do is be nice to people and do a good job. And everything else has just kind of happened. I feel very lucky and just happy to be here.”
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