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9 News
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 9 News
Magda Szubanski moves Logies to tears as she's inducted into Hall of Fame
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The standout moment of Australian television's night of nights has been claimed by someone who wasn't even at the ceremony. Magda Szubanski was beamed into the 2025 Logie Awards on Sunday night as she was inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the beloved comedian and actress shared a message that left not a dry eye in the house. "I want to say first of all – let's get this out of the way – I have not been awarded this honour because I have the cancer," Szubanski quipped at the start. Magda Szubanski teared up as she thanked the Australian public for their overwhelming support throughout her cancer diagnosis. (Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A) "The cancer" was in fact the reason for the 64-year-old's absence from the awards ceremony. She has been isolating whilst undergoing treatment for stage four mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and fast-moving blood cancer, which she announced earlier this year she had been diagnosed with. The honour of being inducted into the Hall of Fame recognises 40 years of work that has made Szubanski one of the most beloved Australian stars, best known for her role as Sharon Strzelecki in Kath & Kim as well as for characters on shows like Fast Forward , The D-Generation , and Big Girl's Blouse . "I am getting this because of 40 years of hard work: lobbying, bribing, threatening, whatever it took, whatever it took," she joked. "Finally it has all paid off, so I don't feel like an imposter, I feel like I have earned it and I am thrilled. "But honestly, I do want to say thank you so much for this honour." Allison Langdon accepts the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter - presented by Ray Martin himself. (Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A) She teared up at the end of her speech, thanking the Australian public for their overwhelming support as she fights cancer. "The love and support that I have felt, like a tsunami, from the Australian public, it has been overwhelming," she said, wiping away tears. "When I go online and look at those messages, every time, my heart lifts, and I feel that much stronger to deal with the cancer. "So thank you for the love that you are pouring my way." The Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television went to Home and Away veteran Lynne McGranger, who beat out a field of women nominees and Hamish Blake. A Current Affair 's Ally Langdon had been in the running for the gold, but she didn't leave empty handed, receiving the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. She also accepted the award for Best Sports Coverage for the Paris Olympic Games, won by Nine and Stan Sport. Travel Guides continued its winning streak, receiving its fourth consecutive Logie for Best Lifestyle Program. (Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A) Blake – who always insisted he was a reluctant nominee for the Gold Logie in a field filled with women – accepted the award for Best Competition Reality Program for LEGO Masters Australia . Travel Guides continued its winning streak, receiving its fourth consecutive Logie for Best Lifestyle Program. Earlier in the night, Jelena Dokic won Best Factual or Documentary Program for Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story . The former tennis star spoke directly to "every single girl and woman" watching. "Never allow anyone to take your worth or happiness or smile away. Believe in your goals and dreams," she said. She ended with a moving moment and her biggest thanks for fellow tennis legend Todd Woodbridge, who she referred to as "my person". Jelena Dokic accepts the Logie Award for Best Factual or Documentary Program. (Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A) "This makes me cry so much because I sat down with you at the table 11 years ago when I retired and you said to me that I can be a commentator and bring my story to life," Dokic said. "I looked at you and I said to you, 'I don't know who you are talking about but you are not talking about me'. "I was a person who couldn't string two sentences together and had no social skills, but you believed in me. "I hope everyone finds a Todd like I did. "You're a massive reason why I'm here. "You love to remind me every single day how right I am and I still need to listen to you. So I will. Todd Woodbridge won his first Logie - the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter. (Getty Images for TV WEEK Logie A) "I say if everyone can have a father and mentor like Todd, they would be very fortunate. Thank you everyone." It was a winning night for Woodbridge too, who collected his first ever Logie: the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter for his long list of credits that includes Tipping Point , the Australian Open, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris last year. national entertainment Television CONTACT US
The Advertiser
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Ally Langdon wins inaugural Ray Martin news Logie award
Acclaimed Australian journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles at the Logies 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. "I think for a lot of us in this industry, you are a big part of why we got into it. Thank you so much for just showing and being that guiding light," Langdon said. Tennis star Jelena Dokic earlier 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. "This is not about winning. This is about a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said. "To not just to have heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive." Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program and solidifying its place as a fan favourite. Family favourite LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. Host and reluctant Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake was elated by the win, joking that this one was "OK to win". "This is fine because it is a team effort, team show," he said. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Comedian and actor Magda Szubanski is being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, recognising almost 40 years of contributions to the industry. The announcement comes just months after the Kath & Kim star revealed her stage four blood cancer diagnosis. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true working-class style with a powerhouse performance. The star-studded crowd was on its feet early, fired up by Barnes' 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. Larry Emdur, who won the Gold Logie in 2024, wasn't spared either, with Pang cheekily noting the presenter's absence from this year's nominee list. Seven's The Voice took out the first award of the night, winning Best Entertainment Program. Seven TV personalities are 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, Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Home and Away favourite McGranger is widely tipped to take out the top honour, as women dominated the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie. This year marks a milestone for the actress, who stepped away from her legacy role as Irene Roberts in March. The star glowed as she walked the carpet, hand-in-hand with her daughter Clancy. The red carpet was graced by Bandit and Chilli, stars of the beloved children's cartoon Bluey. The two-time Logie-winning series was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Acclaimed Australian journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles at the Logies 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. "I think for a lot of us in this industry, you are a big part of why we got into it. Thank you so much for just showing and being that guiding light," Langdon said. Tennis star Jelena Dokic earlier 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. "This is not about winning. This is about a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said. "To not just to have heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive." Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program and solidifying its place as a fan favourite. Family favourite LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. Host and reluctant Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake was elated by the win, joking that this one was "OK to win". "This is fine because it is a team effort, team show," he said. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Comedian and actor Magda Szubanski is being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, recognising almost 40 years of contributions to the industry. The announcement comes just months after the Kath & Kim star revealed her stage four blood cancer diagnosis. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true working-class style with a powerhouse performance. The star-studded crowd was on its feet early, fired up by Barnes' 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. Larry Emdur, who won the Gold Logie in 2024, wasn't spared either, with Pang cheekily noting the presenter's absence from this year's nominee list. Seven's The Voice took out the first award of the night, winning Best Entertainment Program. Seven TV personalities are 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, Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Home and Away favourite McGranger is widely tipped to take out the top honour, as women dominated the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie. This year marks a milestone for the actress, who stepped away from her legacy role as Irene Roberts in March. The star glowed as she walked the carpet, hand-in-hand with her daughter Clancy. The red carpet was graced by Bandit and Chilli, stars of the beloved children's cartoon Bluey. The two-time Logie-winning series was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Acclaimed Australian journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles at the Logies 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. "I think for a lot of us in this industry, you are a big part of why we got into it. Thank you so much for just showing and being that guiding light," Langdon said. Tennis star Jelena Dokic earlier 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. "This is not about winning. This is about a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said. "To not just to have heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive." Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program and solidifying its place as a fan favourite. Family favourite LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. Host and reluctant Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake was elated by the win, joking that this one was "OK to win". "This is fine because it is a team effort, team show," he said. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Comedian and actor Magda Szubanski is being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, recognising almost 40 years of contributions to the industry. The announcement comes just months after the Kath & Kim star revealed her stage four blood cancer diagnosis. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true working-class style with a powerhouse performance. The star-studded crowd was on its feet early, fired up by Barnes' 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. Larry Emdur, who won the Gold Logie in 2024, wasn't spared either, with Pang cheekily noting the presenter's absence from this year's nominee list. Seven's The Voice took out the first award of the night, winning Best Entertainment Program. Seven TV personalities are 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, Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Home and Away favourite McGranger is widely tipped to take out the top honour, as women dominated the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie. This year marks a milestone for the actress, who stepped away from her legacy role as Irene Roberts in March. The star glowed as she walked the carpet, hand-in-hand with her daughter Clancy. The red carpet was graced by Bandit and Chilli, stars of the beloved children's cartoon Bluey. The two-time Logie-winning series was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network. Acclaimed Australian journalist Ally Langdon was all smiles at the Logies 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. "I think for a lot of us in this industry, you are a big part of why we got into it. Thank you so much for just showing and being that guiding light," Langdon said. Tennis star Jelena Dokic earlier 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. "This is not about winning. This is about a win for victims and survivors, especially of domestic violence and mental health," she said. "To not just to have heard but for them to reclaim their life, to find their voice and not just survive but to thrive." Travel Guides claimed its fourth Logie, taking out the award for Best Lifestyle Program and solidifying its place as a fan favourite. Family favourite LEGO Masters was named Best Competition Reality Program. Host and reluctant Gold Logie nominee Hamish Blake was elated by the win, joking that this one was "OK to win". "This is fine because it is a team effort, team show," he said. New Zealand comedian and Guy Mont Spelling Bee host Guy Montgomery won the coveted Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Comedian and actor Magda Szubanski is being inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame, recognising almost 40 years of contributions to the industry. The announcement comes just months after the Kath & Kim star revealed her stage four blood cancer diagnosis. Iconic rocker Jimmy Barnes earlier kicked off the night in true working-class style with a powerhouse performance. The star-studded crowd was on its feet early, fired up by Barnes' 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. Larry Emdur, who won the Gold Logie in 2024, wasn't spared either, with Pang cheekily noting the presenter's absence from this year's nominee list. Seven's The Voice took out the first award of the night, winning Best Entertainment Program. Seven TV personalities are 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, Lynne McGranger from Home and Away, MasterChef Australia's Poh Ling Yeow, A Current Affair host Ally Langdon and two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, host of Lego Masters. Home and Away favourite McGranger is widely tipped to take out the top honour, as women dominated the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie. This year marks a milestone for the actress, who stepped away from her legacy role as Irene Roberts in March. The star glowed as she walked the carpet, hand-in-hand with her daughter Clancy. The red carpet was graced by Bandit and Chilli, stars of the beloved children's cartoon Bluey. The two-time Logie-winning series was an early winner, taking the Logie for the Best Children's Program. The 65th Logie Awards are being broadcast on the Seven Network.
7NEWS
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Logies Awards live updates: Follow along for all the action on Channel 7
Australia's biggest TV awards event, the 65th TV WEEK Logies, is about to get underway and we will bring you all of the glitz, glamour and major moments for the stars. Channel Seven stars Sonia Kruger and Lynne McGranger are up for the highly-coveted Gold Logie and Michael Usher is nominated for a new award, the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. 7NEWS is also nominated for its coverage of Cyclone Alfred and the Trump Assassination Attempt, Sunrise is nominated in the same category for its coverage of Melbourne protests and Spotlight is up for Best Current Affairs category. Follow along for our live updates on all the big moments.
West Australian
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Michael Usher overthinks everything, except his toe-tapping decision to go on Dancing with the Stars
If Michael Usher had given himself a chance to really think about joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, he probably would've said no. 'It was such a rapid left or right turn out of my lane, and I kind of figured, 'what did I have to lose?',' he told The Nightly. 'Some people might look at it and think, 'What's he doing, that's not him at all'. If I asked all my serious mates in the newsroom, they would've thought I was mad, but I wasn't doing it for them.' Usher has been a TV journalist for 35 years and you've seen him reporting from Iraq, from the Olympics and from behind the news desk. You had never before seen him in a sequined waistcoat while moving his hips under a mirrored ball. When the call came, luckily, it wasn't for SAS Australia. That would've been an outright no. 'I would've had a heart attack in the first run up the hill, I think it would've killed me,' Usher speculated. But Dancing with the Stars was different. 'I asked the kids and they said yes, partly because I think they thought it would be new material for them to laugh at me a lot. They've got wicked senses of humour, those kids. 'At my age, when you get a chance to do something different and learn something new, why not? Even if it's very publicly. It's a great way to get on top of nerves and fears. I've done lots of serious things for a long time, and I know the temptation of just having a bit of fun, and learning something new was too good to pass up.' Usher may not have overthought the decision, but he did every step of the process. 'Even since doing (the show), I've danced every dance in my dreams, I've woken up thinking about it, I've danced the steps 10 million times over, (thought) about what I would've done differently, and how I might've looked differently,' Usher confessed. His dance partner, Natalie Lowe, had to pull him from his natural inclination to overthink it. 'She said, 'I really need you to stop using your brain, just feel it, I need you to stop thinking and being a journalist and asking questions, otherwise, we're not going to get these steps learned',' Usher recalled. 'It was good advice. Just shutting up and not asking questions is really hard.' Lowe wasn't the only one who had set Usher straight about his role in the show. His fascination with how Dancing with the Stars was put together – the editing, the music, the crews – prompted the producers to remind him that it was their show, and that he should just chill. For perhaps the first time, he was the subject. Usher is used to telling the story, not being the one answering the questions, something he's had to do a lot of due to the publicity demands of the competition series and now that he's up for a Logie in a new category, the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. It's not a 'super comfortable' space for Usher, but he doesn't hate it. 'We all like to see people do something different and learn something new about the people we think we know,' he explained. 'I don't like that celebrity stuff, but I think people do like to see other sides of people, and that's not a bad thing. That's human life, that's just curiosity. 'I'd be pretty cynical if, after all these years of asking a lot of people to come and sit down with me and share their life story, if the opportunity then came my way and I said 'no way am I going to expose myself'.' Which is not to say he didn't consider the implications of how audience perception of him as a serious news man might change. 'You don't have to be a two-dimensional person,' he said. 'We live in a different era now and you can be a few different things. I've got a life, I've got a personality of my own, but I don't show it very much. I didn't mind showing that. I probably showed a little bit too much! 'The anxious side of it, maybe the daggy side of it, less sitched-up, buttoned-up, neat hair and curated. This was a bit more loose and freeform. But as the kids said, 'Just go and show everyone else what we see at home, people will either die laughing or just die for you'.' He didn't just learn a few extra steps on the floor, being the subject gave him a more mindful appreciation of the people he's usually asking questions of. And there are things he didn't give away – and is adamant should never give away as a journalist. He said that anyone who has ever balled up him for having an opinion about something political, they've been wrong. 'People want your personal opinion drawn out of you all the time. Fine, go and be a commentator or be an opinion maker. But if you want to have those views, there's no room for it in the 6pm news bulletin or Spotlight.' The public might know his thoughts on mastering a pasodoble, but they don't know how he votes. 'If they do, they're wrong,' he said. Some things are sacred but others – like how he and his kids have a deeper relationship now because of his jaunt on the dance floor, his daughter cried at every taping she went to, or that he's taking lessons with his partner – he's OK to share. What he took from the wild six months of pulling double duty as a news man and a dance man is the joy in giving it go. 'I love seeing my kids do that. I don't expect them to excel, but just give it a go. So, I took the same advice that I've given to my children.' The Logie Awards are on Channel 7 on August 3 at 7.30pm
Perth Now
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Michael Usher overthinks everything except when he said yes
If Michael Usher had given himself a chance to really think about joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, he probably would've said no. 'It was such a rapid left or right turn out of my lane, and I kind of figured, 'what did I have to lose?',' he told The Nightly. 'Some people might look at it and think, 'What's he doing, that's not him at all'. If I asked all my serious mates in the newsroom, they would've thought I was mad, but I wasn't doing it for them.' Usher has been a TV journalist for 35 years and you've seen him reporting from Iraq, from the Olympics and from behind the news desk. You had never before seen him in a sequined waistcoat while moving his hips under a mirrored ball. When the call came, luckily, it wasn't for SAS Australia. That would've been an outright no. 'I would've had a heart attack in the first run up the hill, I think it would've killed me,' Usher speculated. But Dancing with the Stars was different. 'I asked the kids and they said yes, partly because I think they thought it would be new material for them to laugh at me a lot. They've got wicked senses of humour, those kids. 'At my age, when you get a chance to do something different and learn something new, why not? Even if it's very publicly. It's a great way to get on top of nerves and fears. I've done lots of serious things for a long time, and I know the temptation of just having a bit of fun, and learning something new was too good to pass up.' The Dancing With The Stars 2025 cast. Nicholas Wilson Credit: Nicholas Wilson / Nicholas Wilson Usher may not have overthought the decision, but he did every step of the process. 'Even since doing (the show), I've danced every dance in my dreams, I've woken up thinking about it, I've danced the steps 10 million times over, (thought) about what I would've done differently, and how I might've looked differently,' Usher confessed. His dance partner, Natalie Lowe, had to pull him from his natural inclination to overthink it. 'She said, 'I really need you to stop using your brain, just feel it, I need you to stop thinking and being a journalist and asking questions, otherwise, we're not going to get these steps learned',' Usher recalled. 'It was good advice. Just shutting up and not asking questions is really hard.' Lowe wasn't the only one who had set Usher straight about his role in the show. His fascination with how Dancing with the Stars was put together – the editing, the music, the crews – prompted the producers to remind him that it was their show, and that he should just chill. For perhaps the first time, he was the subject. Usher is used to telling the story, not being the one answering the questions, something he's had to do a lot of due to the publicity demands of the competition series and now that he's up for a Logie in a new category, the Ray Martin Award for Most Popular News or Public Affairs Presenter. It's not a 'super comfortable' space for Usher, but he doesn't hate it. 'We all like to see people do something different and learn something new about the people we think we know,' he explained. 'I don't like that celebrity stuff, but I think people do like to see other sides of people, and that's not a bad thing. That's human life, that's just curiosity. 'I'd be pretty cynical if, after all these years of asking a lot of people to come and sit down with me and share their life story, if the opportunity then came my way and I said 'no way am I going to expose myself'.' Michael Usher with dance partner Natalie Lowe. Credit: Seven Which is not to say he didn't consider the implications of how audience perception of him as a serious news man might change. 'You don't have to be a two-dimensional person,' he said. 'We live in a different era now and you can be a few different things. I've got a life, I've got a personality of my own, but I don't show it very much. I didn't mind showing that. I probably showed a little bit too much! 'The anxious side of it, maybe the daggy side of it, less sitched-up, buttoned-up, neat hair and curated. This was a bit more loose and freeform. But as the kids said, 'Just go and show everyone else what we see at home, people will either die laughing or just die for you'.' He didn't just learn a few extra steps on the floor, being the subject gave him a more mindful appreciation of the people he's usually asking questions of. And there are things he didn't give away – and is adamant should never give away as a journalist. He said that anyone who has ever balled up him for having an opinion about something political, they've been wrong. If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'People want your personal opinion drawn out of you all the time. Fine, go and be a commentator or be an opinion maker. But if you want to have those views, there's no room for it in the 6pm news bulletin or Spotlight.' The public might know his thoughts on mastering a pasodoble, but they don't know how he votes. 'If they do, they're wrong,' he said. Some things are sacred but others – like how he and his kids have a deeper relationship now because of his jaunt on the dance floor, his daughter cried at every taping she went to, or that he's taking lessons with his partner – he's OK to share. What he took from the wild six months of pulling double duty as a news man and a dance man is the joy in giving it go. 'I love seeing my kids do that. I don't expect them to excel, but just give it a go. So, I took the same advice that I've given to my children.' The Logie Awards are on Channel 7 on August 3 at 7.30pm
