Home And Away star James Stewart reveals dramatic reaction to Logie nomination

Summer Bay stalwart James Stewart has revealed his dramatic reaction to learning he was up for one of the Logies’ top gongs.

Home And Away stalwart James Stewart nearly fell off the rowing machine at the gym when he learnt he was up for a Logie this year.

But he’s even more chuffed that – with its six nominations – the iconic Aussie soap’s a good chance to bring home its 50th award at the 63rd TV Week Logies on Sunday night.

Along with Stewart, Ray Meagher, Emily Symons, Lynne McGranger and Stewart’s work wife Ada Nicodemou are also up for silver Logies. While the series itself is nominated for Most Popular Drama Series.

With 48 Logies in its 35-year history, the high-rating Seven drama’s already cemented itself as the show with the most Logies.

Home And Away's James Stewart is excited for the soap's chances at scoring its 50th Logie. Picture: Seven,

“It’s just a testament to everyone who comes on the show and how hard they work … ,” Stewart said.

“But, also, I just think of all the shows I’ve been in or loved – not every generation can watch. But with Home And Away, every generation watches, whether you’re my 11-year-old daughter’s age or my mum’s age.

“They can all watch and they can all find their in. Something they relate to.”

Stewart, who’s played Justin Morgan in the Bay since 2016, doesn’t rate himself a chance for his Silver Logie.

“I mean, there’s people like Ray Meagher and Sam Neill in my category,” he said.

“It’s just good to have your name in the hat. I’m using all these cliches but it’s true. It’s a real privilege to be named with those blokes.”

Although he confesses he does have a semi-formulated speech – just in case.

“I just want to thank our crew – they’re the ones doing all of the really hard yards, doing 14 hours a day,” Stewart said.

“They see us at our best and at our worst. And, you know, if a cameraman that’s been doing this for 30 years, if he comes up to you and gives you a pat on the back and goes, ‘that was good’. You know it was, because he’s seen a million of them.

“I’d like to thank them, but I’ll only get about four seconds before Sam Pang makes a joke at my expense.”

James Stewart and his wife Sarah Roberts at the 2018 Logie Awards.

Stewart’s particularly keen to see how Have You Been Paying Attention regular Pang goes as the first host in more than a decade.

While some in the industry have a complicated relationship with Australian TV’s night of nights, Stewart’s a keen supporter.

“It’s our night, it’s our Dally M, it’s the one night where all the teams – the stations, the actors and the producers – all get in one room and just go ‘good job, mate, that was well done” Stewart said.

“Last year I walked in next to Leigh Sales and Tim Minchin and I could not believe myself.

“I love that for this one night we’re all in this together.

“I know that’s altruistic but I’m always going to be altruistic.”

63rd TV Week Logie Awards airs on Sunday at 7pm on Seven

Originally published as Home And Away star James Stewart reveals dramatic reaction to Logie nomination