Sam returns fire at Karl over Logies jab: ‘You can’t stop talking about us’

SAM Armytage has returned fire at Karl Stefanovic after the Today host accused Sunrise of thinking they’re “too good” for the Logies.

SAMANTHA Armytage has returned fire at Karl Stefanovic after the Today host accused Sunrise of thinking they’re “too good” for the Logies.

In an extraordinary tirade on Wednesday morning, Stefanovic took aim at his breakfast TV rivals over their decision to forgo the Logies.

Stefanovic and Today co-host Georgie Gardner were discussing actor Hugo Weaving’s claim that the Logie Awards “are just promotional tools for TV channels themselves” on the show this morning, when talk quickly turned to recent reports that Seven’s high-profile breakfast stars were also snubbing this year’s event.

“I hear our opposition isn’t coming this year, they’re too good to support the local industry — to support their own network colleagues who are lucky enough to be nominated for their hard work. Plain too good,” a furious Stefanovic ranted.

“We don’t want you there anyway. You’re all boring — except for Grant Denyer, I like him.

“To the hardworking men and women in the TV industry, I want to say: the Today show loves you and supports you. We look forward to celebrating with you … and celebrating … and celebrating and celebrating all the way until our show starts. There you go. Enough to be said.”

Grant Denyer left Sunrise in 2006.

"I hear our opposition isn't coming either this year. What, they're too good to support the local industry?" -@KarlStefanovic #9Today pic.twitter.com/j0TnyhQ43L

— The Today Show (@TheTodayShow) June 19, 2018

Afterwards, a stunned Gardner appeared at a loss for words, while entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins responded simply: “Gee whiz.”

A short time later, Sunrise executive producer Michael Pell hit back at Stefanovic on Twitter.

Bit rich @karlstefanovic. First you said you’d boycott the Logies if they moved from Melbourne. Now you’re slamming @sunriseon7 for not attending? The exercise is simply too costly for us in 2018. Responsible budget management = supporting local industry.

— Michael Pell (@MichaelPell) June 20, 2018

Sunrise host Samantha Armytage also took aim at Stefanovic, claiming he “can’t stop talking about us on your show”.

I agree @karlstefanovic we are boring. So boring you can’t stop talking about us on your show...😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/r21lrz7bSF

— Samantha Armytage (@sam_armytage) June 20, 2018

Earlier, Stefanovic had been scathing in his response to Weaving’s decision as well.

“Hugo, the Logies are recognition for the hard work of those who work in a great industry. An industry that entertains all Australians,” he said.

“It’s survives and thrives on people like you promoting it. People’s jobs depend on it — people who work behind the scenes, behind the cameras. People who make the industry tick get the chance to let their hair down, get the chance to be acknowledged for their hard work.

“So you aren’t coming to the Logies? No worries. You don’t want to thank a producer, a camera operator, or someone who paid for your show to be made and paid your wage, Hugo?”

Stefanovic was also clearly aware that his Uber scandal was almost certainly going to be brought up in Dave Hughes’ opening monologue this year: “The Logies aren’t perfect, but they’re ours. Personally, I can’t wait for Hughesy to bag the hell out of me.”

Georgie Gardner appeared uncomfortable throughout the tirade.

Next month’s event will be the first time the Logie Awards has been held on the Gold Coast, making the switch from Melbourne after 30 years.

The Today show will host their post-Logies show from the venue, as per usual.

But it’s believed the smaller space and extra costs involved have contributed to Seven’s decision not to relocate Sunrise to the Gold Coast for its coverage.

It’s understood that the Sydney-based panel will instead be doing live crosses to Edwina Bartholomew and Sam Mac.

A spokesperson from the network told news.com.au earlier this week: “Channel 7 will have a significant presence on the Gold Coast for the Logie Awards — including every nominee from the Network.”