Stars Olympia Valance and Mavournee Hazel ready to step it up for the Logies

BEST friends and former Neighbours castmates Olympia Valance and Mavournee Hazel are ready to make a statement on the Logies red carpet.

BEST friends Olympia Valance and Mavournee Hazel are ready to make a statement on the Logies red carpet ­tomorrow night.

The TV beauties and former Neighbours castmates will join the stars on the Gold Coast for the industry’s big night.

Insiders say the awards have been revamped along with the controversial relocation, the first time the Logies have been held outside Melbourne or Sydney since they started in 1968.

INSIDE THE GOLDEN ERA OF THE LOGIES

OLDER WOMEN ON TV ARE HAVING A MOMENT

BRING LOGIES HOME: EDDIE McGUIRE Olympia Valance and Mavournee Hazel get set for the Logies. Picture: Jay Town

Almost 500 crew have been working for a week to transform The Star casino.

The move has thrown up some new challenges for executive producer Brent ­Williams and his team.

“We’ve had to make several visits to the Gold Coast to ­ensure we know the venue ­inside out,” he said.

“I think the big difference will be the red carpet. It’s longer than in Melbourne. It should create a sensational ­atmosphere.”

Valance, who has returned from LA to work on Ten’s new drama Playing for Keeps, and Hazel are looking forward to their turn on the carpet.

“I’ve come back for this show and it’s amazing, I’m so happy to be back,’’ said Valance, who will wear a gown by designer Con Ilio.

“To have Mav there and the crew back together, I’m really pumped.

“The door is always open (for Neighbours) but at this stage I’m trying new things.

“It’s nice to sink my teeth into a show that’s not G-rated and we’ve created something special.

“I think I will head back to LA. I’m a global citizen, really.”

Gold Logie nominees Tracy Grimshaw, Rodger Corser, Andrew Winter, Jessica Marais, Grant Denyer and Amanda Keller.

Hazel, styled by Elliot Garnaut and wearing Romance Was Born on the night, will feel more relaxed after making her Logies debut last year.

“I felt intimidated by it and I really let it overwhelm me, but a lot has changed since then,” said Hazel, who will join six Neighbours cast members.

“I was like a deer in the headlights but I’m in control. I only know the Logies as this thing we do together, so I can’t wait.”

A Current Affair host Tracy Grimshaw is the bookies’ favourite to win the Gold Logie.

Live voting for the awards’ 10 popular categories will remain open until the ceremony starts at 7.30pm tomorrow.

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