Logies leave Melbourne after 30 years

KARL Stefanovic has sensationally threatened to boycott the Logies following news it’s moving away from Melbourne after more than 30 years.

KARL Stefanovic has promised to boycott the Logies following news the awards ceremony is moving away from Melbourne after more than 30 years.

The Victorian government on Sunday announced the decision to withdraw its bid to host next year’s event, claiming it was “time to pass on the baton”.

Stefanovic didn’t pull any punches when the topic was raised on the Today show on Monday, branding the decision “disgusting” during an explosive rant.

“I’m telling you right now - if the Logies move from Melbourne I’m boycotting them. I will not be going to the Logies if they’re outside of Melbourne,” he told co-host Lisa Wilkinson.

After describing it as a “huge, huge loss” for the city, he dug the boot in further, blasting the Victorian Premier for allowing it to happen.

“This is a joke of giant proportions - Kevin Andrews has lost the plot completely,” he insisted.

“For $1 million the advertising Victoria gets is second to none. You may as well have the Ekka in Perth. You may as well have the Hamilton Island race week on Fitzroy Island.

“This is disgusting and I will be boycotting the Logies until they’re back in Melbourne at Crown Casino.”

Tourism and Events Minister John Eren announced yesterday that the government decided to withdraw its 2018 bid after talking to key stakeholders and conducting a comprehensive event analysis.

“No matter where the Logies go next, Victoria will remain the cultural and events capital of Australia,” he said in a statement.

The awards night will likely be held in Queensland from 2018 onwards, News Corp Australia reports.

“We’re proud to have been home to the Logies for more than 30 years, but it’s time to pass on the baton,” Mr Eren said.

The Logies have been held at the Palladium ballroom in Crown Casino since 1997. Before that, the annual television award night was held at the Grand Hyatt, Hilton, and Wentworth Regent hotels in Melbourne.

State opposition leader Matthew Guy said it’s a shame to see the Logies leave Melbourne.

”...what a shame for the state govt to give up Melbourne for such a great TV event,” he tweeted on Sunday night.

Logies 2017 ... Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, "Love a cohost who can make sure your dress is photo ready! #TVWeekLogies #9Today" Picture: Instagram