Tony Armstrong has announced he will leave ABC News Breakfast in October after three years on the show.
Armstrong, a proud Gamilaroi man, will continue to work with ABC, hosting a new show to be announced later this year and begin airing in 2025.
Armstrong said: “I just want to thank Brekky and the broader ABC News team for welcoming me in with open arms and helping me grow over the past few years. I love live TV and those moments that are unplanned and unpredictable where anything can happen.
“I’ve been so lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team and it’s those friendships that I’m going to cherish the most.”
Armstrong, who was nominated for his Gold Logie this year, has hosted a number of ABC series in recent years, including Tony Armstrong’s Extraordinary Things and A Dog’s World.
He first charmed Australian audiences on News Breakfast as a fill-in sports presenter in 2020, before taking up the role full-time the following year.
2024 Gold Logie nominees Sonia Kruger, Tony Armstrong, Larry Emdur, Julia Morris, Andy Lee, Robert Irwin.
Armstrong quickly made a name for himself as a fresh and versatile television personality, winning the Graham Kennedy Award for most popular new talent at the 2022 Logie Awards. His meteoric rise continued when he won the 2023 Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter and nominated for the Gold Logie earlier this year.
Justin Stevens, ABC director, news, said: “Tony Armstrong is a once in a generation talent and it has been fantastic watching him soar in his role at News Breakfast. I can’t wait to see what he does into the future and see his career continue to go from strength to strength.”
“I am so sorry three years of talking sport and swapping gags with Tony is about to end,” ABC News Breakfast host Michael Rowland said. He is an engaging colleague and a good friend. In fact, there’s no one I would rather sit through an earthquake with. (We did. Google it.). All the best with what comes next, mate.”
ABC News Breakfast host Bridget Brennan: “How blessed we’ve been to have Tone on our screens every morning, bringing the sparkle, joy and heart that only Tony can! Tony is a wonderful friend and everyone at News Breakfast is going to miss his infectious and caring nature.
“I know it’s meant so much to me and to thousands upon thousands of First Nations viewers waking up to see Tony representing us on the daily. Can’t wait to see what you do next, Tone! Maybe sleep?!”
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Top image: Tony Armstrong