Tony Armstrong leaves ABC News Breakfast after three years of shocking career change

Tony Armstrong has announced he is leaving ABC News Breakfast after a three-year career change.

The 34-year-old Australian TV star left fans devastated when he confirmed the shocking news of his departure live on air on Tuesday morning.

Tony announced that his last show will be in less than two weeks, on October 4. However, in a heartfelt statement, he expressed his hope that he can return as a guest.

“I was quite nervous about doing this,” Tony confirmed.

‘I have stopped with News Brekkie and my last day is October 4th.

“I want to thank everyone so much – all of you, my colleagues, everyone behind the camera, all the producers, all the people watching and coming out on the street to say hello and all that stuff,” he continued.

‘Um, yeah, it’s been three years and a bit of a hectic period, a lot has happened, it feels like I’ve been on a rocket, but the support I’ve had from News Brekkie and the news in general has been amazing.

“Thank you so much, I’m going to miss the couch. I won’t miss the alarm clock, but I will miss the couch. I’ve had such a good time.”

Tony Armstrong has announced he is stepping down from his role on ABC News Breakfast after three years

Tony announced that his final show will air in less than two weeks on October 4, but expressed his hope that he can return as a guest in a heartfelt statement live on the radio (pictured)

As he steps down from the morning show, he cryptically assured his fans that this won’t be the last time they’ll see him on their TV screens.

The former Sydney Swans star confirmed he will be working on an exciting new project with the ABC next year, but declined to comment on the details of the mystery job.

“Early next year I have something coming out, but I’m not allowed to say what it is yet, it’s top secret,” he teased.

His co-host Michael Rowland then paid tribute to Tony and shared his sadness at the fan favourite talent’s withdrawal from the programme.

He said enthusiastically, ‘We’re going to miss you, I’m going to miss sharing sports stories and jokes with you, I really do, mate. Even though you’re not a morning person, we can all agree. You’ve brightened up so many mornings.’

Rowland then referred to Tony’s landmark nomination for the Gold Logie in 2024 and the awards he had won in previous years, praising him for his prestigious achievements.

“I’m so glad that this show has given you a platform to become an award-winning name and that you’re going to do even bigger and better things,” he said.

Her fellow presenter Bridget Brennan added: “I know it means a great deal to me and to the thousands of other First Nations viewers who wake up and see Tony representing us every day.”

The ABC has not yet confirmed who will replace Tony at the morning show’s sports desk.

But ABC news director Justin Stevens said: ‘Tony Armstrong is a once-in-a-generation talent and it’s fantastic to see him become so successful in his role on News Breakfast.

“I can’t wait to see what he does in the future and how his career continues to improve.”

Tony’s loyal fans took to social media to express their disappointment that he will no longer be a regular fixture on ABC’s morning program.

His departure comes just weeks after he was nominated for the prestigious Gold Logie last month, along with a host of Australian TV talent, with Larry Emdur taking home the award.

In addition to his emerging TV career, Tony has also gone from strength to strength with his new girlfriend Rona Glynn-McDonald (both pictured)

“Tony Armstrong is leaving ABC News Breakfast. That’s a bit sad, he’s a favourite with so many,” shared one user on X – formerly known as Twitter.

‘Tony Armstrong is leaving ABC News Breakfast [crying face emojis]’, wrote another.

A third added: ‘Love Tony. Met him briefly in Fitzroy once. Really lovely person. What you see is what you get. Will definitely miss him!’

Tony’s shock departure comes just weeks after he was nominated for the prestigious Gold Logie last month, along with a host of other Australian TV talent.

He competed against the likes of Julia Morris, Asher Keddie, Andy Lee, Sonia Kruger and Robert Irwin, but ultimately lost to TV veteran Larry Emdur.

He was also in the running for the award for most popular presenter, but the Bert Newton Award once again went to Larry from The Morning Show by a wide margin.

It is not the first time that he has been put in the spotlight at the Logies: in 2022 he won the award for most popular presenter and the year before that the award for best new talent.