Tony Armstrong has announced he is leaving his role with ABC News Breakfast after three years.
The beloved Aussie TV star, 34, left fans devastated when he confirmed the shock news of his departure live on air on Tuesday morning.
Tony revealed his last show will air in less than two weeks time on October 4 but shared his hopes that he will be able to return as a guest in a heartfelt statement.
‘I’ve been pretty nervous about doing this,’ Tony confirmed in a heartfelt announcement. ‘I’ve retired from News Brekkie and my last day will be October 4.’
‘I just want to thank absolutely everyone – all of you guys, my colleagues, everyone behind the camera, all the producers, all the people who watch as well and come up in the street and say g’day and all that kind of stuff.
‘Um, yeah, it’s been a whirlwind sort of three-and-a-touch years. A lot’s happened. Feels like I’ve been on a bit of a rocket ship. But the support that I’ve got from News Brekkie and news in general has been amazing.’
‘Huge thank you, I’m going to miss the couch – I’m not going to miss the alarm, but I’ll miss the couch. I’ve had such a ball,’ he added.
The former Sydney Swans star confirmed he has an exciting new project coming out with ABC next year but remained coy on the details of the mystery job.
Tony Armstrong has announced he is leaving his role with ABC News Breakfast after three years
‘I’ve got something coming out early next year, not allowed to say what it is yet, it’s top secret,’ he teased.
His co-host Michael Rowland paid tribute to Tony as he shared his sorrow after the fan favourite talent stepping down from the program.
He gushed: ‘We’ll miss you, I’ll miss swapping sports stories and gags with you, honestly mate – even though you aren’t a morning person, we can all attest to that – you’ve brightened so many mornings.’
Michael, 56, went on to reference Tony’s milestone 2024 Logies nomination as he praised him for the prestigious achievement.
‘I’m so glad this show has provided you with a platform to become an award-winning household name and you’ll go on to much bigger and better things,’ he said.