Karl Stefanovic may have stepped out of the spotlight somewhat since his departure from the Today show but that didn’t stop the presenter from being in the firing line of some shocking comments on Sunday at the 61st annual Logie Awards.
The former Today show host was savagely roasted in a hilarious, yet shocking speech by Gold Logie winner, comedian Tom Gleeson as he opened the night’s proceedings in the Gold Coast.
While the stunning frocks certainly caught the attention of onlookers, it was the comedian’s humorous remarks about Stefanovic that have garnered much attention.
Taking to the stage to address the room packed of television stars Gleeson began: “I think the reason they (the Logies) ask you to do the opening is because Channel Nine has run out of stars.
“They don’t have any left. They have a new rule on breakfast TV too, if you are too entertaining they fire you. Am I right Karl. Is Karl here? Where is Karl?”
He added to Sunrise presenter David Koch: “What I’m saying is Kochie, your job is safe.”
But this wasn’t the end of the roasting for the night, with Gleeson later taking another swipe at Stefanovic over his “tacky wedding” to Jasmine Yarbrough.
“Congratulations to Marred at First Sight by the way for their monster ratings,” he continued. “Give them a huge round of applause
“Channel Nine were happy to cash in on your ratings by showing off your tacky weddings and fired Karl Stefanovic for having one!”
He did make up for the harsh words though by claiming the Today show has suffered greatly since Stefanovic departed in a swipe against the new hosting team Deb Knight and Georgie Gardner.
Knight was welcomed to the show earlier this year after Stefanovic’s shock departure, joining Gardner on the panel.
“Karl, Today Show needs you,”Gleeson said. “I was on the Today Show the other day to promote the Logies. The ratings are so low I felt like I was keeping a secret!”
Despite his controversial speech, Gleeson actually went on to win the Gold Logie, beating out top contenders including Amanda Keller, Costa Georgiadis, Waleed Aly and Sam Mac.
However, Georgiadis did not go home empty handed, winning the Most Popular Presenter award for his role on Gardening Australia.