Latest news with #ABCNewsBreakfast
The Age
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
Porn king's new book laments decline of larrikinism
With all that behind him, Costas last graced these pages as the man behind British nativist politician Nigel 'Mr Brexit' Farage 's 2022 Antipodean tour, and has recently been doing interviews rebranding as a wise survivor of the digital publishing game. Now, it seems like Costas has taken a dash of inspiration from the blokes he's spent years bringing to Australia. Juiced Up An opening night standing ovation (when isn't there one in Melbourne?) at the Regent Theatre on Saturday for the Australian premiere of 'the global phenomenon' Beetlejuice The Musical 'proudly backed by the Victorian government', according to its own press release. But how much did the cash-strapped government via Visit Victoria and the Major Events tourism slush fund sling into the coffers of producer Michael Cassel for the musical you didn't know you needed, adapted from the much-loved 1988 Tim Burton gothic comedy film? Well, that's a state secret. Anyway, shush, the 'hit show nominated for eight Tony Awards' has songs and music by home-town boy Eddie Perfect and is contributing to Victoria's record $40 billion visitor economy, so just enjoy the show, OK? So who went? Everyone from songwriter and performer Tim Minchin to prominent financier and philanthropist Peter Yates. ABC Melebrities included ABC News Breakfast presenter Bridget Brennan and presenter of everything else Patricia Karvelas. ABC-aligned opening-night eventists included comedian Sammy J and Spicks and Specks panellist Alan Brough. Also up for a good time was Seven News presenter Karina Carvalho, actor Alison Whyte and actor Kat Stewart, who used to star with Perfect in Offspring. And at 7pm, just before lights down and curtain up, who were standing slap bang in the middle of the auditorium, having a power chat? None other than Martin Pakula, now chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and forthcoming chair of Crown Resorts (regulatory approval pending) and NGV president of trustees Janet Whiting. Loading Janet was appointed chair of Visit Victoria when Marty was major events minister. As the government likes to spruik, Melbourne is the 'cultural capital of the nation' but it's still a small town. Roy and his (Aussie) toy Last week, CBD brought word of former Liberal frontbencher Wyatt Roy 's remarkable post-political journey to Saudi Arabia, where he's become part of the kingdom's squillion-dollar global PR campaign to launder its image. In an attempt to show off the kingdom's cool and fun side, Roy posted an Instagram video of himself jetskiing while waving the Saudi flag. Turns out our youngest ever MP and minister hadn't completely abandoned his Aussie roots. In the video, Roy was riding an electric-powered water board from Byron Bay-based company Fliteboard, founded by kitesurfing world record holder and serial entrepreneur David Trewern. Before being turfed out of politics, Roy was assistant minister for innovation in the famously innovative and agile Turnbull government, and it's nice to see him maintaining the passion for True Blue Australian innovative agility on the global stage. Loading Head of innovation is also Roy's title at Neom, the futuristic linear megacity that is the vanity project of Saudi de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman. Right now, Neom needs all the innovation it can get. Recent reports suggested the project was set to blow out to an eye-watering $US8.8 trillion, and take over half a century to build. Various elements of the ambitious project have recently been scaled back, and former chief executive Nadhmi Al-Nasr departed last year. With financials like that, we don't begrudge Wyatt a little aquatic escapism. Dicker down All good things must come to an end. On Friday, one of Australia's most eccentric rich-listers stepped down as chairman and chief executive of the company he co-founded in 1978. We're talking about David Dicker, the (almost) billionaire behind Dicker Data. The lavishly bearded lover of fast cars and private jets left Australia in 2019 because it was an 'authoritarian shithole' to live his best life out of a Dubai hotel room. In the past two years, Dicker has sold nearly $300 million worth of stock in his logistics software company, citing costs associated with the divorce settlement with his second wife, Delwyn Dicker. The firm announced its co-founder's departure to the market late on Friday, with Dicker set to stay on for six months in a consulting role. Meanwhile, the other co-founder, Fiona Brown, who happens to be Dicker's other ex-wife, will move into an executive chair role.
Courier-Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Tony Armstrong spills on ABC exit
Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Tony Armstrong has reflected on his departure from ABC News Breakfast last year after three years on the job. Speaking candidly on the Inherited podcast, Armstrong detailed the moment he knew he had to quit, with his body ultimately making the decision for him. 'I decided about halfway through last year that that was going to be it for breakfast because it was killing me,' he told host Ruby Hall in this week's podcast. 'Like literally, I ended up staying in bed for like a month because I just couldn't get up.' X The 35-year-old former AFL star said he would be rostered to go on-air, but his body just wouldn't co-operate. Eventually, his partner Rona Glynn-McDonald – the CEO of First Nations not-for-profit Common Ground – told him he needed to put his health first. 'I couldn't get out of bed and Rona was just like, 'Look. your body's telling you you need to resign.' But like I finally got a job that's secure and you know what this business is like – it's pretty fickle. And I've never really been someone who's like, 'Oh, I'll be right'. You know, I'm established enough to be able to do what I want.' Tony Armstrong was at the height of his career when he decided to take a step back. Armstrong reflected on his decision to leave the ABC in a new Inherited podcast. Armstrong said that Rona helped him realise that it was important to 'look after my own health rather than job security'. 'I'm really proud that we were able to step away, and I did that through her help,' he said. The former athlete announced his departure from ABC News Breakfast last September. Speaking on-air at the time, the popular presenter said his final show would be October 4. 'I've been pretty nervous about doing this,' he began, before going on to say he had 'retired from News Breakfast'. '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,' he added. '[It] feels like I've been on a bit of a rocket ship.' The presenter announced his departure from News Breakfast last September. Picture: ABC Armstrong continued, 'I'm going to miss the couch. Not the alarm, but I'll miss the couch. And, yeah, I've had such a ball. I'm going to miss everyone but, um, yeah. You'll still see me around.' Indeed, after few months of R&R, Armstrong has lined up his next big gig alongside Australian drag queen and singer Courtney Act. The duo has been named as SBS's commentary team for the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland, with the grand final airing this weekend. Armstrong credits his partner Rona Glynn-McDonald for helping him put his health first. Picture:'I'm not entirely a first-time viewer but definitely not someone who comes with the knowledge of all the voting alliances that all the nations have,' Armstrong told 'So where the partnership with Courtney will come to the fore is me going 'this is a bit weird' and she will be able to fill in that gap.' The presenter pros were given a 'chemistry test' before landing the coveted gig, which was long held by Joel Creasey and Myf Warhurst before they stepped down in December. 'We had the television chemistry test, which I've never, ever done before,' Act revealed. 'I had met Tony in real life but then we did the test at SBS and hung out for the day and commentated on past Eurovisions and obviously it went well and they asked us to be the hosts.' SBS will broadcast the semi-finals and grand final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest from May 14 to 18. Originally published as Tony Armstrong reveals exact moment he had to quit his presenter role at the ABC: 'Killing me'
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tony Armstrong reveals the real reason he quit ABC Breakfast and how his girlfriend Rona played a big part in his resignation: 'It was killing me'
Tony Armstrong has finally revealed what happened in the lead up to him quitting ABC News Breakfast. The TV star - widely regarded as the public broadcaster's 'golden boy' - departed his role last October after three years at the network. Addressing his future career moves during Channel Ten's The Project when he made the announcement, Armstrong revealed he'll be working on 'slower things' compared to the fast-paced newsroom environment. In a new interview with Ruby Hall for The Inherited Podcast, Tony reflected on how his partner Rona Glynn-McDonald gave him the support he needed to put his health first. 'I decided about halfway through last year that was going to be it for breakfast [TV] because it was killing me,' he explained. 'Literally I ended up staying in bed for a month because I just couldn't get up.' 'I was rostered and I just couldn't get out of bed. Rona was like "Look, your body is telling you that you need to resign." 'And I was like "but I've finally got a job that is secure" and you know what this business is like, it's pretty fickle and I've never really been someone who thinks "I'll be right, I'm established enough to do what I want." 'So Rona helped me get into the right headspace to leave telly. She got me to the line to look after my own health rather than job security, I suppose. 'I'm really proud that we were able to step away and I did that through her help. Vice versa she's stepped away a lot from her not-for-profits to chase her dreams in music. I'm proud of us for navigating how it all works.' Rona is the CEO of Common Ground, a First Nations not-for-profit organisation that works to amplify First Nations voices, and successful DJ who has performed at some of Australia's biggest music festivals. Tony and Rona went public with their romance in 2023, and are believed to have been together for three years. 'What a lot of people probably wouldn't realise is I had to write all my own scripts and produce all my own footage,' Tony said as he recalled his earliest days as a fill-in host and producer for ABC Sports Breakfast. 'I was a one-man-band.' 'The thing about news is because it's a 24 hour cycle, you can't prepare. You can't do your work early so you get in there and it's done. You're trying to get to bed early to get up at 3am or 4am. 'I hate mornings with a passion. I just do not like waking up. So those two things don't go together.' Tony hasn't studied or had any formal training in journalism and described each shift as like 'being on a James Bond travellator' to a 6am deadline. 'I had one day with a producer to teach me how to use [the system] and that was it,' he said. 'So I am most proud of actually just doing the job and not shirking from the stress of doing it. 'I was lucky enough to not s*** the bed and how I was able to parlay that into doing some other things along the way.' He said he believes his breakfast TV success comes down to two things - not knowing what to do made him a unique voice and he started presenting during the pandemic when most Australians were tuned in for Covid updates. Tony even confessed he 'really started getting cold feet' in the final days before he handed in his ABC resignation. The former AFL player told Rona, 'I've worked so hard to get job security and I'm about to walk away from it.' 'Resignations are weird, it's like going to your own funeral,' he joked. 'But I'm learning to be okay with not knowing where the next thing is coming from.' This month, Tony jumped to rival network SBS to take on hosting duties of the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Aussie drag queen Courtney Act. He has released his second children's book, George and The Wizard, and is working on an upcoming special project for ABC. 'it's about racism in sport, so a nice light topic,' he joked.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Widower's bittersweet $3.3m Lotto win, Trump announces 'total reset' with China, minister promises 'sensible' e-bike laws
Hello and welcome to Yahoo's live news blog this Tuesday. A Queensland widower has claimed $3.3 million on the Gold Lotto – a game he continued playing after years of buying tickets with his late wife. Donald Trump has announced the US has agreed a "total reset" with China following the countries' tit-for-tat trade war. Both sides will pause tariffs for 90 days and Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to discuss trade levies soon. Follow along as we bring you regular updates throughout the day. Anthony Albanese announced his new-look Cabinet on Monday but the fallout from booting two frontbenchers last week continues, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has admitted this morning it's been "messy". "I do think it was unfortunate, and I think it was messy," he told ABC News Breakfast of the decision to remove Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic from key portfolios. "I think that's self evident. This is what happens when you've got more good people than you can fit into cabinet or a ministry in the broader ranks." Another big change yesterday was taking the environment portfolio from Tanya Plibersek and making her Minister for Social Services. Albanese insisted Plibersek welcomed the news however speculation of tensions between the two continues to linger. NSW's government is promising "sensible" new road laws for e-bikes and e-scooters as community concern continues to fester across the state. While many fear the issue has been neglected by authorities, Transport Minister John Graham stressed the NSW government "recognises the community's concerns". "We believe a sensible set of rules will promote the health and lifestyle benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters while protecting the safety of riders and everyone else sharing the paths and roads with them," he said. NSW will on Tuesday table its response to a parliamentary inquiry into the use of the e-mobility devices, which was told their accessibility advantages must be balanced with severe safety risks. The government will propose e-scooters can be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT - and European recommendations. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. With AAP Well after both countries promised to stand strong and not back down just weeks ago, we now have a 90-day pause on tariffs in the US's trade war with China. Donald Trump is calling it a "total reset" with tariffs dropping by 115 percentage points on both sides. "I think it's going to be great for unification and peace. We're not looking to hurt China. China is being hurt very badly," he told reporters. The US president said he'd likely speak to China's president Xi Jinping at some point in the coming days. Read from from Yahoo's Washington Correspondent Ben Werschkul here. While one Queensland man is over the moon he's won $3.3 million, he wishes one person could be by his side to enjoy it. 'I'm a widower. My late wife and I have a set of numbers that we used to play together," the Toowoomba winner told The Lott after sharing the Gold Lotto division one prize over the weekend. "Ever since she passed away, I decided to continue to play them. 'The only bummer about it is that she's not here to celebrate the win with me. It would've been nice to share this moment with her, but she's looking down on me." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Anthony Albanese announced his new-look Cabinet on Monday but the fallout from booting two frontbenchers last week continues, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers has admitted this morning it's been "messy". "I do think it was unfortunate, and I think it was messy," he told ABC News Breakfast of the decision to remove Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic from key portfolios. "I think that's self evident. This is what happens when you've got more good people than you can fit into cabinet or a ministry in the broader ranks." Another big change yesterday was taking the environment portfolio from Tanya Plibersek and making her Minister for Social Services. Albanese insisted Plibersek welcomed the news however speculation of tensions between the two continues to linger. NSW's government is promising "sensible" new road laws for e-bikes and e-scooters as community concern continues to fester across the state. While many fear the issue has been neglected by authorities, Transport Minister John Graham stressed the NSW government "recognises the community's concerns". "We believe a sensible set of rules will promote the health and lifestyle benefits of e-bikes and e-scooters while protecting the safety of riders and everyone else sharing the paths and roads with them," he said. NSW will on Tuesday table its response to a parliamentary inquiry into the use of the e-mobility devices, which was told their accessibility advantages must be balanced with severe safety risks. The government will propose e-scooters can be ridden on shared paths with a default speed limit of between 10 and 20km/h. On roads signposted at 50km/h, they would be limited to 20km/h. Riders would need to be at least 16, consistent with all Australian jurisdictions except the ACT - and European recommendations. The government does not intend to speed-limit e-bikes, as their motors are not the only source of power. It will however review the formal definition of an e-bike within NSW's road rules. With AAP Well after both countries promised to stand strong and not back down just weeks ago, we now have a 90-day pause on tariffs in the US's trade war with China. Donald Trump is calling it a "total reset" with tariffs dropping by 115 percentage points on both sides. "I think it's going to be great for unification and peace. We're not looking to hurt China. China is being hurt very badly," he told reporters. The US president said he'd likely speak to China's president Xi Jinping at some point in the coming days. Read from from Yahoo's Washington Correspondent Ben Werschkul here. While one Queensland man is over the moon he's won $3.3 million, he wishes one person could be by his side to enjoy it. 'I'm a widower. My late wife and I have a set of numbers that we used to play together," the Toowoomba winner told The Lott after sharing the Gold Lotto division one prize over the weekend. "Ever since she passed away, I decided to continue to play them. 'The only bummer about it is that she's not here to celebrate the win with me. It would've been nice to share this moment with her, but she's looking down on me."
ABC News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Comedian Alan Davies says he never remembers the facts from QI
British comedian and star of the popular comedy panel show QI Alan Davies says he struggles to remember any of the facts from the series. Davies has been a staple on the long-running BBC quiz show since its launch in 2003, first with original host Stephen Fry, who left in 2016, and now with Sandi Toksvig. Despite being QI's only permanent panellist for more than 20 years, Davies told ABC News Breakfast he "can't remember anything that happens" on the show. "We record early in the year usually, we just recently recorded a batch, and they go out six months later and I don't remember a thing. Literally not a thing. I don't remember anything that has been said. Alan Davies with current QI host Sandi Toksvig, former host Stephen Fry, comedian Johnny Vegas and long-time series producer John Lloyd in 2010. ( Supplied: BBC ) "Sometimes I watch it and someone says something and I'm sitting on my sofa at home and I think what I would say, and the person on screen does say it. So that is weird. "My brain is quite limited which has made it easy for them to catch me out over the years." Davies, who also starred in the BBC mystery drama series Jonathan Creek, is returning to Australia in November and December for the first time in a decade with his new stand-up comedy show, Think Ahead. He says he's looking forward to coming back, describing Australian audiences as a "little bit louder" than British audiences. "I had some terrific shows on my previous tours," he says. "I am 60 in 2026 and the show is called Think Ahead because you have to do that at this moment. Alan Davies will tour his brand-new stand-up show, Think Ahead, across Australia later this year. ( Supplied ) "When I started in stand-up, I didn't look further than three months ahead because that was how far ahead the comedy clubs would book you. "So I am thinking ahead all the time and now that's fed its way into my act. It's a chance for me to let the little middle aged man scream." COVID-19 'catastrophic' for comedians Davies, who started performing stand-up comedy in 1988, says he is still capable of feeling nervous before a show, especially if he hasn't been in front of a live audience in a while. "Getting onto the stage is the thing. Then it just comes back like a muscle memory, it is the most fun for me. "I have been gigging all the time, apart from during COVID which was awful for our profession, it was catastrophic, with all the live venues shut down. "This is the first tour since COVID. Theatres are packed again and I love being face-to-face with the audience, it's the best thing. So I have been gigging, just not touring. "Apart from COVID, having a third child really impacted on my tour time." Loading YouTube content Davies says putting together a new stand-up show is like "panning for gold". "I just sort of jot things down, things I've heard, things I've thought of, start doing a few gigs and stuff starts to come up. "I have got some funny things to say when I come." Davies's tour will mean he's in Australia for Christmas this year. He says he'll be joined by his wife, Katie, and his three children. "I am looking forward to doing all the work and then putting it down and having a great Christmas in New South Wales." Think Ahead will be touring across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Newcastle, Toowoomba, Caloundra, Brisbane, Canberra, Thirroul and Sydney in November and December.
