Robert Irwin has been announced as the host of the 2026 TV Week Logie Awards, taking over from Sam Pang who hosted the ceremony for the past three years. The 22-year-old wildlife warrior and television personality will helm the event at The Star Sydney on Sunday, August 16.
Irwin's Reaction to Hosting
In a statement, Irwin expressed his excitement, calling it "one of the most exciting things I've been asked to do." He added, "Throughout my life, my goal has been to spread an important message not only through our work at Australia Zoo, but also on the screen. I grew up watching the Logies with my family, so this is certainly an honour."
Sam Pang Steps Down
Sam Pang, who received rave reviews for his hosting over the past three years, decided not to return. He told the Sydney Morning Herald last month, "I'm well aware I may never do it again, and whoever does it I'm sure will do a great job, but I just thought three was a nice number."
A Year of Triumphs for Irwin
The Logies hosting gig caps off a massive year for Irwin. In late 2025, he won Dancing With The Stars in the United States, becoming the youngest male champion in the show's 34 seasons. This success led to him hosting a DWTS spin-off called The Next Pro, where 12 professional dancers compete for a spot on the main series. Irwin also voiced a koala named 'Robert Furwin' in the Hollywood film Zootopia 2, starring alongside Jason Bateman, Shakira, and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson.
Back in Australia, Irwin won the Audience Choice Award for Favourite Media Personality at the AACTAs in February and filmed a cameo for MasterChef Australia that airs tonight.
Gold Logie Contenders
While nominees for this year's Gold Logie are yet to be announced, last year's winner was Home and Away star Lynne McGranger. A strong contender this year could be Irwin's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! co-host Julia Morris, who has been nominated for the Gold Logie four times but never won. With Channel 10 confirming that I'm a Celeb won't return in 2027, the Gold Logie would be a fitting tribute to Morris's decades-long television career.
The TV Week Logie Awards will broadcast live and exclusive on Seven and 7plus from The Star Sydney on August 16.
