EXCLUSIVE: “I’m a bit overwhelmed and a bit giddy”: Tony Armstrong on his Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent win

When TV WEEK caught up with Tony Armstrong shortly after winning the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent at the TV WEEK Logie Awards, he certainly wasn’t expecting to be holding the coveted trophy.

“Not on my bingo card at all!” he laughs.

“To be honest, maybe a week and a half ago I didn’t want to go and then maybe a week ago all my colleagues, who have been such great supporters of me started talking about what it means. It’s pretty cool. I’m a bit overwhelmed and a bit giddy.”

The AFL-star-turned-ABC’S News Breakfast-presenter, 32, also admits he’s realising the world of TV and media is a small one.

“I’m pretty new to this industry but the longer I’m in it, the more I realise everyone knows each other,” he tells TV WEEK.

However, Tony admits that meeting Total Control actress Deborah Mailman has been a particular highlight from the night.

“I was lucky that I got my star struck moment out of the way early,” he laughs.

“She is the loveliest person. She was so complimentary back. She’s so brilliant in everything she does.”

With his charm and good looks, fans have been calling for Tony to be announced as the Bachelor, but don’t expect him to be handing out roses anytime soon.

“I couldn’t organise a relationship on national TV for sure. That was my first experience of being in the public eye,” he says.

The Aussie public may think of Tony as a heartthrob, but he certainly doesn’t.

“I’m fat, I’m old, I’m washed up, I’ve got bags under my eyes, I suck!”

As for what’s next for Tony? The Logie Award winner is coming out of retirement to play for a local Victorian football club.

Having signed with Barwon Heads Seagulls for the remainder of the 2022 season he says:

“It’s basically having a kick in the park with my old mates so there’ll be no TV there.”