Tony Armstrong shocked fans when he confirmed he was leaving his role at ABC News Breakfast in a live announcement on Tuesday.
But there had apparently been a tell-tale sign pointing towards his exit, as the 34-year-old sports presenter had revealed another big change just days earlier.
Over the weekend, he announced that he had taken a step back from television and turned to writing in an unexpected career move.
The former Sydney Swans player confirmed he has created a children’s book called George the Wizard, which is due for release on September 25.
The picture book tells the story of a lonely wizard’s search for friends and is illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers.
Her book will be published less than 24 hours after she confirmed she will be leaving ABC News Breakfast after three years.
Talking to him Courier mail Speaking about the project, Tony said he was asked to write about his football career, but opted to write a children’s book instead.
“It’s about my reading level,” he joked about his exciting new project.
Tony Armstrong shocked fans when he confirmed he was leaving his role at ABC News Breakfast in a live announcement on Tuesday.
“I love being in the fantasy world and being a little bit silly. Children’s books just throw the rules out the window even more.
“It’s just feeling and emotion and that’s what attracted me: the only thing that sustains you is yourself.”
Tony, who is a proud Gamilaroi man from New South Wales, said he wanted to write a football book or “necessarily” create An indigenous-led story.
“Mainly because I think that’s what people expected,” he explained.I like to zag when I’m expected to zigzag.
On Tuesday morning, Tony confirmed live on ABC News Breakfast that he will be stepping down as sports presenter within days.
Tony revealed that his final show will air in less than two weeks on October 4, but shared his hopes of being able to return as a guest while promoting his book.
“I’ve been pretty nervous about doing this,” Tony confirmed.
‘I have retired from News Brekkie and my last day will be October 4th.
‘I just want to thank absolutely everyone: all of you, my colleagues, everyone behind the camera, all the producers, all the people who watch and also come out on the street and say ‘good morning’ and all that kind of stuff.
‘Um, yeah, it’s been a whirlwind three years or so, a lot has happened, it feels like I’ve been on a rocket ship, but the support I’ve had from News Brekkie and news in general has been incredible.
But there had apparently been a tell-tale sign pointing towards his exit, as the 34-year-old sports presenter had revealed another big change just days earlier.
Over the weekend, he announced that he has taken a break from television and is now writing, with his picture book George the Wizard set to be released on September 25.
“Thank you so much, I’m going to miss the couch. I’m not going to miss the alarm, but I will miss the couch. I had a great time.”
As he steps down from the breakfast show, he cryptically told his fans that it’s not the last time they’ll see him on their TV screens.
Hinting at more major career changes ahead, Tony confirmed he’ll be working on an exciting new project with ABC next year, but didn’t elaborate further.
“I have something coming out early next year, I’m not allowed to say what it is yet, it’s top secret,” he joked.
His co-host Michael Rowland then paid tribute to Tony and shared his regret at the talented fan favourite leaving the show.
He gushed, ‘We’ll miss you, I’ll miss trading sports stories and jokes with you, honestly dude, even though you’re not a morning person, we can all attest to that, you’ve brightened up so many mornings.’
He went on to reference Tony’s 2024 Gold Logie nomination and awards won in previous years and praised him for his prestigious achievements.
“I’m so glad that this show has given you a platform to become a household name and award winner, and then you can go on to achieve much bigger and better things,” he said.
Fellow presenter Bridget Brennan added: “I know this has meant a lot to me and to thousands and thousands of First Nations viewers who wake up and see Tony representing us every day.”
ABC has yet to confirm who will replace Tony on the breakfast show’s sports tier.
But ABC News director Justin Stevens said: ‘Tony Armstrong is a once-in-a-generation talent and it’s been fantastic to watch him develop his role on News Breakfast.
“I can’t wait to see what he does in the future and watch his career continue to get better and better.”
Tony’s loyal fans were quick to take to social media to share their disappointment that he will no longer be a fixture on ABC morning television.
On Tuesday morning, Tony confirmed live on ABC News Breakfast that he will be stepping down as sports presenter on October 4 in a shock career move.
“Tony Armstrong is leaving ABC News Breakfast. It’s a bit sad, he’s a favourite with many,” shared one X (formerly known as Twitter) user.
“Tony Armstrong leaves ABC News Breakfast (crying face emojis),” wrote another.
A third added: “I love Tony. I met him briefly in Fitzroy once. He’s a truly lovely person. What you see is what you get. I will definitely miss him!”
In another major change, Tony’s departure also came weeks after he was nominated for the prestigious Gold Logie last month alongside a host of other Australian television talent.
Although he faced the likes of Julia Morris, Asher Keddie, Andy Lee, Sonia Kruger and Robert Irwin, he ultimately lost the victory to television veteran Larry Emdur.
He was also in the running for Most Popular Host award, but the Bert Newton award once again went to Larry from The Morning Show in a landslide victory.
It’s not the first time he’s been recognised at the Logies, having taken home the Most Popular Presenter award in 2022 and winning Best New Talent the year before.