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The Advertiser
6 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Lynne McGranger wins Gold Logie
Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Australian television royalty Lynne McGranger has claimed the coveted Gold Logie. It marks a milestone year for the 72-year-old, who stepped away from her iconic role as Irene Roberts on the cult-hit Home and Away in March, ending a decades-long chapter in Australian TV history. "I am thrilled and honoured," she said moments after accepting the award, beaming with emotion. Six other TV personalities were vying for the Gold Logie - 2023 winner Sonia Kruger, Ten's I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris, ABC's Lisa Millar, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Magda Szubanski earlier took centre stage - via video - as she was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame. The beloved comedian and actor recently revealed her diagnosis of stage four blood cancer and was unable to attend the awards. True to form, Szubanski worked her audience with tears and laughs as she accepted her honour in a pre-recorded speech, adding her award was in no way due to her cancer. "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work. Lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took. Finally it has all paid off," she said. She ended her speech by removing her beanie to reveal a clean-shaven head and joking she had her "hair done specifically so it would match" her Gold Logie. "The Australian TV industry is a terrific industry to work in and it is chock-a-block full of really good people, a few rogues but mostly really good people," she said. Szubanski, best known for her beloved role as Sharon Strzelecki in the comedy series Kath & Kim, received a standing ovation. Fisk was one of the night's biggest winners, taking home five Logie Awards, including Best Scripted Comedy Program. Kitty Flanagan clenched the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy, while Glenn Butcher claimed Best Supporting Actor, and Aaron Chen won the Silver Logie for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy. Julia Zemiro rounded out the sweep with the Silver Logie for Best Supporting Actress. Tennis star Jelena Dokic also delivered an emotional acceptance speech after winning the Logie for Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. Based on her book of the same name, the powerful documentary traces Dokic's journey from refugee to tennis champion, while confronting the trauma of her abusive relationship with her father. Journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles as she accepted the inaugural Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. The award was presented by Martin, who said he was honoured to be recognised with the tribute, adding he had never seen journalism more under siege than it is today. Gold Logie nominee Langdon, who hosts Nine's A Current Affair, thanked the media veteran for his service to news in Australia. Langdon was also part of the Channel Nine team that won the Logie for Best Sports Coverage for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program, while LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true style with a powerhouse performance of his hit Working Class Man, before settling in for opening remarks from returning host Sam Pang. Pang, hosting for the third consecutive year, didn't miss a beat. "It's inspiring that with the world in as much turmoil as it is right now, that we as an industry have not wavered in our commitment and bravery in coming together tonight to honour ourselves," he said. He went on to congratulate and roast each nominee for the coveted Gold Logie and some of the commercial networks' biggest stars - from The Voice host Sonia Kruger to 20-year Today Show veteran Karl Stefanovic and former talk show queen Kerri-Anne Kennerley. Bluey was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network.
Sky News AU
8 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Gold Logie Nominee Ally Langdon opens up about the advice her predecessor Tracy Grimshaw gave her before she took over the top job at A Current Affair
Ally Langdon says the 2025 Logie Awards have been more about celebration than competition- and that being nominated for the coveted Gold Logie has been a deeply rewarding, if unexpected, experience. 'It's been really fun I've got to say,' Langdon, 46, told Sky on the red carpet. 'When you first hear the nomination it's a bit overwhelming - but when we had the breakfast and we all kind of met each other and realised who else was nominated, it's just been really fun to kind of celebrate each other and what we do.' Langdon is one of seven stars vying for Australian television's highest honour, alongside Hamish Blake, Julia Morris, Lisa Millar, Lynne McGranger, Poh Ling Yeow, and Sonia Kruger. The A Current Affair host, who stepped into the role in 2023 following Tracy Grimshaw's 17-year tenure, said the strength of Aussie television lies in the diverse backgrounds of its leading names. 'Aussie TV is strong, and there's some amazing things going on between streaming, screen, and just for everyone to come together and celebrate it,' she said. 'You look at all the nominees for Gold: comedians, chefs, couple of journos in Lisa and I, actors- and everyone's got this really different background, and everyone's gotten to where they are and we've had these fantastic careers.' While it's the most hotly contested award in Australian television, Langdon says the process has been unexpectedly supportive. 'I think everyone would like to think that it's really competitive, but it's not really. It's honestly not. And you know, you think that there's always going to be one in the group- there's none of that either. That part has been really good.' Langdon said she felt the weight of expectation when taking over from Grimshaw, describing the experience as 'overwhelming.' 'Tracy had been there for 17 years, and it's a show that's been on television forever but with very few hosts. So to get that opportunity to sit behind the desk- it means a lot.' When Langdon asked Grimshaw how to approach the job, the answer was simple: 'Be yourself, be authentic, understand the audience and trust in yourself.' That advice shaped Langdon's mindset from day one. 'Even when I came in everyone asked, what are you gonna change? And I was like, 'I'm not going to change a thing, like, I love the show'. 'The only thing that changes is the personality of the host. So if you stay authentic, the audience hopefully stays with you.' Langdon's authenticity shines through on-screen, particularly in emotionally charged moments. One that still resonates with viewers was her coverage of young 2023 Seaworld helicopter crash survivor Nikki Tadros. 'That's the great thing about the show that we do- like those relationships,' she said. 'He (Nikki) took 13 last week, last weekend, I called him for his birthday. I cannot believe he's 13, and he says he's such a sweetheart. They've still got the inquiry coming up in a couple of weeks, and it's a lot for a little kid.' Her nomination has even sparked a cheeky side bet with last year's Gold Logie winner Larry Emdur, who famously had the trophy inked on one of his butt cheeks after his win. 'If I win, apparently he's heading back to the tattoo parlour- though we haven't really discussed HIS butt cheeks in that much depth,' she laughed. 'But he did say he would - and I'm holding him to it.'
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
How paediatric nurse Harriet Sperling became a royal fiancee
Sperling studied at St Mary's University in Twickenham, and became an NHS nurse specialising in paediatric care at Evelina London Children's Hospital. The Princess of Wales has been a patron of the hospital since 2018. Despite finding such an admirable vocation, in a 2009 interview with the Daily Mail for an article about young women and faith, Sperling confessed that her faith had become 'dormant' when she moved to the capital. She said: 'Somehow it didn't seem relevant to my life in London, going to famous nightclubs and spending a lot of time in Ibiza during the summer. I was a real party girl.' But the end of a seven-year relationship marked a turning point: 'I went to church as I felt there was something missing.' She chose St Paul's in Onslow Square, west London, Sperling said, because of its 'intimate feel' and its active engagement with the wider community. It had brought her a sense of fulfilment and peace, she said, adding: 'I pray not only on Sunday, but all the time, often just quietly to myself.' That helped her with her job, which could be 'quite stressful and emotionally engaging'. Sperling once told a magazine she had a particular passion for 'early brain development', and in 2010 she was part of a heroic medical team that helped save the life of critically ill baby Phineas, who had been struck down by a deadly virus. Speaking in 2012, Sperling said: 'Just 20 minutes after receiving the call to collect Phineas, the retrieval team were on our way in an intensive care ambulance.' In 2012, Sperling, who was previously married to fitness instructor Antonio St John Sperling, gave birth to her own child: daughter Georgia. But, writing for Christian magazine Woman Alive in March last year, she revealed that she had brought Georgia up on her own. 'Resources were scarce and the future was uncertain,' she said. 'Yet, in the absence of material security, I discovered the strength and life that comes from true, selfless love.' She said: 'My daughter and I journeyed 10 years with only each other. I liken us to an island and it has often felt hard to imagine anyone joining that island.' However, at around this time, someone new did enter her life. Sperling reportedly met Phillips, 47, at a sporting event involving their similarly aged children. Phillips has two daughters, Savannah, 14, and Isla, 13, with his Canadian ex-wife Autumn Kelly (the pair divorced in 2021). Phillips and Sperling's public debut in May 2024 at the Badminton Horse Trials was also a family affair, attended by Phillips's daughters, his sister Zara Tindall and her husband Mike, and the Queen. It was Sperling's first time in the media spotlight, yet she appeared to take it all in her stride. A friend of Phillips told The Telegraph the pair were 'enjoying each other's company and spending time together like any normal couple', while an onlooker said of Sperling: 'She looked very happy and relaxed in his company and pleased to be shown off at one of the biggest social events in the equestrian world.' Sporting occasions played a large part in the couple's summer of love. In the June, they were spotted in the VIP tent at the Beaufort Polo Club in Gloucestershire, and that month they also attended Royal Ascot, where Sperling met the King and Queen. One year on from their first public outing, Sperling and Phillips returned to the Badminton Horse Trials, this time cheering on Zara Tindall, who was being awarded the event's Armada Dish. Sperling also joined the family at the Bahrain Grand Prix in April, where she spent time with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie; in Wimbledon's royal box, alongside the Queen; and at the Royal Charity Polo Cup in Windsor, in support of Prince William. But it was another event that truly cemented Sperling's place as a future royal bride. In June, she made her royal carriage debut in the procession at Ascot, accompanying Phillips in carriage three. That suggested Sperling, who appears to have slotted naturally into the Firm, had been given the official seal of approval. Even so, it was a surprise on Friday when she and Phillips announced their betrothal. The news came via Hello! magazine, which published two photographs of the couple (in which Sperling showed off her diamond engagement ring, estimated by one expert to cost at least £10,000) shortly after Phillips and Sperling had spoken to the King and Queen. The choice of magazine prompted reminders of Phillips's first wedding, in 2008, when he caused controversy by selling the exclusive photographic rights to Hello! for a reported £500,000, allegedly angering the late queen, who had not been consulted in advance. The pictures marking Phillips' and Sperling's engagement, however, are said to have been taken privately and it is understood no commercial arrangement was made with Hello! or any other publication. The couple have yet to announce a date for their wedding. Leading designers will surely be champing at the bit to dress Sperling. She has won praise for the elegant way in which she mixes high street brands such as Zara with royal-approved British designers. In her engagement photos, Sperling is wearing a white cheesecloth top and skirt set by Me+Em, a home-grown label favoured by the Princess of Wales. Loading It's likely that the couple's new blended family will be highlighted in the ceremony, perhaps with their three daughters acting as bridesmaids. Savannah and Isla previously took that role at Princess Eugenie's wedding in 2018. As both an elegant figure, coolly unfazed by public duties, and a hard-working NHS nurse and single mother, Sperling is the ideal fit for a gradually modernising institution. It appears she's not just a great match for Phillips: she could be the royal family's shining new star.
