Beloved actress and comedian Magda Szubanski made a very welcome return to TV screens to hand Sam Pang the coveted Gold Logie on Sunday night.
Szubanski, 65, stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her health following a cancer diagnosis in May 2025. She has been in remission since February 2026.
Magda Szubanski made a triumphant TV return at the Logies on Sunday night. Seven
Szubanski was in full character as Sharon Strzelecki from Kath and Kim, with the crowd erupting into cheers as she shuffled onstage in an Australia Zoo get-up.
Kath and Kim was also voted the #1 Best Australian Show of all time by audiences just moments before her special appearance.
Everyone lapped up the skit between herself and host Robert Irwin, before she awarded comedian Pang with the coveted gong – which was quite a surprise to many.
Pang beat out Ally Langdon, Julia Morris, Lisa Miller, Poh Ling Yeow, Irwin and Todd Woodbridge – arguably the toughest cohort yet in the Gold Logie category.
“I just want to say it’s a big honour,” Pang began in his acceptance speech.
“Being here the last three years I know what we all need, I’m going to keep this very very short… I’m going to sing three songs.”
Of course, his acceptance speech was full of jokes, including a few funny titbits about his family.
Szubanski accidentally interrupted Pang’s winning speech, declaring she needed help going off the stage as it “was a bit slippery.”
Irwin flew across the stage and came to her aid as Pang returned to the mic.
Sam Pang was the surprising winner of the coveted Gold Logie. Seven Network
The duo were absolutely hilarious on-stage. Getty Images for TV Week
“How lovely was that,” Pang added, gesturing to Szubanski.
He also dropped the F-bomb live on air at one stage, but everyone too excited to notice.
Pang now joins the ranks of Kylie Minogue, Hamish Blake, Sonia Kruger, Lynne McGranger, Bert Newton, Ray Martin and Graham Kennedy.
Pang has hosted the Logie awards for the last three years, with Irwin taking the gig this time around.