Surprise nominations: This year’s Gold Logie contenders revealed!
The nominees for this year’s Gold Logie have been revealed, and there are a few names that are bound to raise eyebrows up for the coveted trophy.
The ones drawing the most attention are Costa Georgiadis, who has hosted Gardening Australia since 2012 and Eve Morey from Neighbours.
Other nominees include Sam Mac from Sunrise, Amanda Keller from The Living Room, Waleed Aly from The Project, Tom Gleeson from Hard Quiz and Rodger Corser from Doctor Doctor.
TV WEEK knew that the nominations would cause some confusion from viewers, which is why they spoke to news.com.au to set the record straight. Thomas Woodgate, TV WEEK Editor, explained the choices.
“While I do see why people from the outset might be surprised by Costa’s inclusion, people need to remind themselves that Gardening Australia is a heritage show,” Mr Woodgate said.
“It’s celebrating 30 years on air this year, which is quite extraordinary, and Costa is the face of that show. I can understand why people might be surprised but when you think about it, maybe it’s just the right time for the show to get the recognition it deserves.”
He also explained the choice behind Neighbours star Eve Morey.
Her character, Sonya Rebecchi, died from cancer in beloved Toadie’s arms. Woodgate said that her character’s death on the show would have “without a question” motivated fans to vote for Morey.
“The timing of the storyline was incredible,” he said. “In week one of voting, Sonya passed away so heartbreakingly on screen, so of course it played a role. And you know what, it should play a role. If we’re going to celebrate any actress or actor or host, what they do on air at the time of voting is going to play a part.”
However, the question on everyone’s lips is: Who IS going to take home the Gold Logie?
Even Woodgate doesn’t have an answer.
“Because there are some names we haven’t seen before, I think it really does throw the field quite open,” Mr Woodgate said.
“But if you want me to put a name out there that I think is the one to beat at this stage, I think Amanda Keller going back to back in the Gold Logie nominations is telling. I think she is extremely likeable, she’s got a massive radio audience and she’s also just come off a wonderful job as co-host of Dancing With The Stars, which I thought was a really nice show.
However, Woodgate is aware it’s not up to him to decide.
“I would say that Amanda is the one to beat, but I’m not the one who has to make the decision, that’s the Australian public.”
Keller was thrilled with being nominated for the Gold Logie and shared her joy on her Instagram. She shared a post with her holding the Gold Logie, saying:
“Well.. what do you know? I’m thrilled, chuffed, humbled , overwhelmed and other words from the thesaurus at a @tvweekmag Gold Logie nomination! Very grateful.”
The 61st TV WEEK Logie Awards are set to air on Sunday, June 30.