Robert Irwin’s star hitched to Logies hosting duties was a surprise not just his youth, but for not being a Seven network star.
Not yet anyway.
Traditionally (but not always) the host is aligned with the network broadcasting the event: Sam Pang, Bert Newton, Eddie McGuire, Daryl Somers, to name a few.
Irwin is most associated with 10, leaving names such as Larry Emdur, Sonia Kruger and more out of contention. It also highlights that Kruger is probably the only woman on the network to dabble in humour -that needs to change.
Irwin has plenty of goodwill on his side, and will doubtless set a different tone to that of Sam Pang who, for instance, couldn’t cut an opening number like Irwin might.
But did Seven opt for the wildlife warrior as part of a bigger play?
Rumours are afoot Seven may pick up I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here after 10 declined to proceed in 2027. Nine is also in hot pursuit.
There is also chatter Irwin could front a 2027 return of Dancing with the Stars. Both jobs, should they come to pass, would surely leave Dr. Chris Brown on the outer….
How else to explain Seven turning away from its own stable of talent for a 10 star?
TV critic Colin Vickery said, “I think Robert Irwin is a great get for the Logies. He will be a very personable and engaging host. He probably won’t be delivering Sam Pang-like zingers (so viewers should reframe their expectations) but he has a positivity that will work well for an awards night that is out to celebrate the best of Australian television.
“Is this the first foray for what could be a longer hosting association with Seven? Quite possibly. It is abundantly clear that there is quite a lot of US interest in Robert so he might decide to spread his wings and concentrate on international opportunities.
“If I was at Seven I would be trying to get in early and lock him down now.”
Illustration: Glenn Robinson.