Sam Pang wins gold Logie as Robert Irwin unleashes the reptiles

Sam Pang secured the prestigious Gold Logie at the 66th TV Week Logie Awards. The host of the show for three consecutive years revealed he never anticipated standing in front of the camera. Growing up, Pang watched television at his parents' feet, often relegated to the couch due to their reluctance to let him join them. However, he expressed his gratitude for his current position, stating he is fortunate and appreciative.

Pang has appeared in several shows, including Have You Been Paying Attention, The Front Bar, Ground Up on the ABC, and his own program, Sam Pang Tonight, which will return to Network 10. He is the second individual of color to win the award, with Waleed Aly being the first in 2016. Magda Szubanski presented Pang with the award, impersonating Sharon Strzelecki from Kath & Kim, which was voted by viewers as the most popular television program.

In a lighthearted opening, Irwin showcased his newly acquired dance skills from his US Dancing with the Stars win, appearing out of breath during his monologue. Irwin also made fun of several presenters, including Karl Stefanovic and Dave Hughes, jokingly suggesting Channel 10 was developing a reboot of Hughesy We Have a Problem.

Irwin, who was in contention for the Gold Logie, received the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter for his work on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. Andrew Denton was inducted into the Hall of Fame, receiving a standing ovation for his world-class speech. Denton advised the audience to support others in their endeavors, emphasizing the importance of being generous and appreciative.

Sam Neill posthumously received the Best Lead Actor in a Drama award for The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, with his wife Heather Mitchell accepting the honor on his behalf.