Comedian Dave Hughes has been known to bust out a zinger or two while performing the TV Week Logie Awards’ opening monologue for the past few years.
From poking fun at Karl and Peter Stefanovic’s infamous Ubergate scandal and mocking MasterChef’s George Calombaris’ troubled times to roasting the Home and Away cast and even giving a serve to politician Barnaby Joyce – no one was ever safe from Hughesy’s hilarious barbs.
So with the comedian giving the gig a miss in 2019, who is set take the reins?
TV WEEK editor Thomas Woodgate was tight-lipped about who is taking over but teases there is much to look forward to.
“Talks and plans are underway for this year’s TV WEEK Logie Awards and while I’m gutted that Dave Hughes won’t be opening the event this year – though I’m pretty sure there’ll be a fair few sighs of relief throughout the industry!” Thomas told Now To Love.
I know that we’ll still deliver a knockout opening to kick things off.”
WATCH: The Bachelor’s Richie Strahan and Alex Nation were victims of Dave Hughes’ savage jokes back in 2017. Story continues after video…
“I’d love to say more, but right now my lips are sealed. Whoever does take to the stage will have a very tough act to follow…
“What I can tell you is that we are aiming for a bigger and better TV WEEK Logies to last year’s extremely successful debut at The Star Gold Coast, so I’m confident we’ll be dishing up more unforgettable and memorable moments once again.”
As speculation continues to arise, we’ve come up with some possible replacements for Hughesy, who gave up his role as the date clashed with a pre-planned family holiday.
Dave Hughes has left behind some big shoes to fill.
(Image: Channel Nine)Julia Morris
One possible contender is comedian and actress Julia Morris.
The 51-year-old has always been a scene-stealer when appears on-stage at the Logies – most memorably in 2015 when she revealed the winner of the Most Outstanding Entertainment Program award.
The problem? She forgot to announce the nominees beforehand and the gaffe had the audience in stitches.
Julia Morris is always a scene-stealer at the Logies.
(Image: Getty)Tom Gleeson
He’s a Gold Logie nominee this year and Tom Gleeson is already getting into Logies fever.
The Hard Chat host has released side-splittingly funny videos campaigning for the win and last year went all out to try and score Grant Denyer the gold after Family Feud was axed.
Since he’s up for the ultimate prize though, it’s probably unlikely he will host.
Tom Gleeson has been very enthusiastic about his Gold Logie campaign.
(Image: Getty)Hamish and Andy
Fan favourites Hamish Blake and Andy Lee have always had a close association with the Logies and would an ideal choice to fill the space their friend Hughesy left vacant.
The comedians have held annual “Logies spit roast” parties, have hosted red carpet coverage and had the audience rolling on the floor in laughter when presenting awards on the night.
Surely, opening the show is the fitting next step for the boys?
Beloved comedians Hamish Blake (left) and Andy Lee (right) have always been closely associated with the Logies.
(Image: Getty)Magda Szubanksi
Magda Szubanski is an iconic Australian comedian and the TV WEEK Logies is an iconic Australian awards show so this scenario could be a perfect fit.
The Kath & Kim star notched up seven Logies over her years in the industry so TV’s night of night likely holds a special place in her heart.
Magda is just as iconic as the Logies themselves.
(Image: Getty)Osher Gunsberg
He’s got plenty of experience hosting TV juggernauts like The Bachelor and Australian Idol and has proven time and time again he knows how to expertly hold the attention of both a live audience AND fans watching at home.
Would Osher Gunsberg be keen to rest his roses long enough to step on to the Logies stage and perform the opening monologue? We know we certainly wouldn’t be disappointed to see that!
Osher is well-versed in captivating Australian TV viewers.
(Image: Getty)
