Daryl Somers’ bizarre Gold Logie introduction roasted by viewers

You could hear a pin drop during Daryl Somers’ bizarre presentation at last night’s Logies, with Tom Gleeson and Julia Morris caught on-camera making their feelings known.

Daryl Somers' Logies speech went down like a lead balloon.

After a Logies ceremony dominated by host Sam Pang’s searing zingers, TV’s night of nights went off the rails at the pointy end as Daryl Somers hit the stage.

The Australian TV veteran, 71, wrapped formalities by announcing the Gold Logie – which he ultimately presented to his Dancing With The Stars co-host Sonia Kruger – but not before he delivered a bizarre “bit” staging a mock auction of the unenthused seven nominees.

“So we have seven very nervous nominees in the room but don’t let that hold you back. What is my bid? Please, don’t be shy, don’t be shy,” Somers began.

“Julia Morris, $5000, thank you. Wonderful, we are off, on the market. Hamish Blake, $10,000 from Hamish Blake. You will go back to back if you are lucky tonight. And from the heavy table, it is $15,000 from Sonia Kruger.”

He continued, “Oh, hang on, the phone is going, it is a phone bid? Hello. $25,000?... No, Tom Gleeson you are not even nominated.

“I don’t think the auction is going to work, TV Week. Are you working on delay up there? I don’t think it is going to work tonight.”

Seven’s broadcast flashed to a number of celebrities in the room during the “excruciating” presentation, with past Gold Logie winner Tom Gleeson openly showing his disdain, appearing to utter, “This isn’t funny.”

Tom Gleeson wasn’t happy with Daryl Somers. Picture: Channel 7

I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! host Julia Morris was also caught cocking her eyebrows as she awkwardly sucked on a lollipop during Somers’ seemingly never-ending spiel.

Neither was Julia Morris. Picture: Channel 7

The sentiment was felt by viewers watching from home, many of whom roasted Somers over on Twitter:

For the love of God, someone get Daryl Somers off tv forever. #Logies2023

— Kelly HD🎙 (@kellyhd) July 30, 2023

#SoniaKruger wins the Gold #Logie . #DarylSomers demonstrates again why he should have retired from TV 20yrs ago. Bombed badly. Still trying to relive his HeyHey days. Well done #SamPang for being a great host.

— imcallingyouout (@imcallingyouou2) July 30, 2023

Oh my god this Daryl Somers segment is excruciating. Talk about a presenter who is PAST his prime. #TVWeekLogies

— Adam Rida (@AdamRida) July 30, 2023

Who’s idea to have Daryl Somers present the Gold Logie after he’s cracked a dozen awful gags that have fallen completely flat with the audience?

— Brad (@bjfooty) July 30, 2023

Are you serious that I waited up this late to see Daryl Somers waffle on? #Logies2023

— Kate Hawkins (@Kate1652) July 30, 2023

God dammit Daryl Somers is the most boring man alive #Logies

— Geordie McGrath (@GeordieMcGrath) July 30, 2023

Did anyone else hear that? It was Bert Newton rolling in his grave at watching Daryl Somers butcher the end of the #Logies

— Peter Fisher (@fisherframe) July 30, 2023

Pang, the Logies’ first host in 11 years, was the runaway hero of the televised awards, which were nabbed by Seven late last year after a decades-long run on Channel 9.

He opened proceedings with a hilariously pointed monologue.

“I would like to acknowledge a win for diversity tonight. I am the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half – half Channel 7 and half Channel 10,” Pang began.

“Let’s be honest, it’s just great to have an Asian on Channel 7 who isn’t trying to smuggle live birds through border security,” he continued, telling viewers to strap in for the “two-day” ceremony.

Sam Pang was a key highlight of the Logies, stepping in as host. Picture: Channel 7

While the comedian’s jokes were a hit, there were plenty of misses during the lengthy ceremony, which stretched beyond the four-hour mark.

Kruger delivered an awkward jab at her fellow nominee, two-time Gold Logie winner Hamish Blake, with whom she shares an agent. She said their agent had privately told her “frankly I am hoping that [Hamish] will leave the agency so I can concentrate all of my efforts on you, Sonia” – before the cameras cut to an awkward-looking Blake.

Meanwhile, Today host Karl Stefanovic suffered a painfully long silence after making a joke about Sunrise’s long-running host, David Koch, who quit breakfast TV in June.

Koch had earlier named the Stan series Bump as one of his favourite shows while on stage, leading to an apparent cocaine joke from Stefanovic.

“I did want to just check something … I am pretty sure before I heard Kochie say he loves Bump’s … season 3. Did anyone mishear that? Because I am pretty sure I did. Anyway, those are the headlines tomorrow morning …” he said.

Yet again stealing the spotlight, Pang pointed out Stefanovic’s failed gag when he hit the stage shortly afterwards.

“I don’t want to say Karl’s joke about Kochie sank, but OceanGate are offering expeditions to visit it,” Pang quipped.