Tony Armstrong shocked fans when he confirmed he will be stepping down from his role with ABC News Breakfast in a live announcement on Tuesday.
But there had seemingly been a telltale sign pointing towards his exit as the sports presenter, 34, had revealed another big change just days earlier.
Over the weekend, he announced that he has taken his talents away from the TV screen and turned to writing in an unexpected career move.
The former Sydney Swans player confirmed he has created a children’s book called George the Wizard, which is slated for release on September 25.
The picture book tells the story of a lonely sorcerer’s search for friends and has been illustrated by Emma Sjaan Beukers.
His book will be released less than 24 hours after he confirmed he will be leaving ABC News Breakfast after three years.
Speaking to the Courier Mail about his new book, Tony said he was approached to write about his footy career, but opted to write a book for children instead.
‘It’s about my reading level,’ he joked about his exciting new project.
‘I love being in the world of the fantastic and being a bit silly. Kids’ books just throw the rules even further out the window.
‘It’s just feel and emotion and I was drawn to that – the only thing holding you up is you.’
Tony, who is a proud Gamilaroi man from NSW, said he did want to write a footy book or ‘necessarily’ create an Indigenous-led story.
‘Mainly because I think that’s what people expected,’ he explained. ‘I like zagging when I’m expected to zig.’
On Tuesday morning, Tony confirmed live on ABC News Breakfast that he will be leaving his sports presenting role in a matter of days.
Tony revealed his last show will air in less than two weeks time on October 4 but shared his hopes that he will be able to return as a guest while promoting his book.
‘I’ve been pretty nervous about doing this,’ Tony confirmed.
‘I’ve retired from News Brekkie and my last day will be October 4.
‘I just want to thank absolutely everyone – all of you guys, my colleagues, everyone behind the camera, all the producers, all the people who watch as well and come up in the street and say g’day and all that kind of stuff.
‘Um, yeah, it’s been a whirlwind sort of three-and-a-touch years, a lot’s happened, it feels like I’ve been on a bit of a rocket ship, but the support that I’ve got from News Brekkie and news in general has been amazing.
‘Huge thank you, I’m going to miss the couch – I’m not going to miss the alarm, but I’ll miss the couch – I’ve had such a ball.’
While he is stepping down from the breakfast show, he cryptically told fans that it is not the last time they will see him gracing their TV screens.
Hinting at more big career changes ahead, Tony confirmed he will be working on an exciting new project with the ABC next year but remained coy on the details.
‘I’ve got something coming out early next year, not allowed to say what it is yet, it’s top secret,’ he teased.
His co-host Michael Rowland then paid tribute to Tony as he shared his sorrow about the fan favourite talent stepping down from the program.
He gushed: ‘We’ll miss you, I’ll miss swapping sports stories and gags with you, honestly mate – even though you aren’t a morning person, we can all attest to that – you’ve brightened so many mornings.’
He went on to reference Tony’s milestone 2024 Gold Logie nomination and awards wins in previous years as he praised him for the prestigious achievements.
‘I’m so glad this show has provided you with a platform to become an award-winning household name and you’ll go on to much bigger and better things,’ he said.
His fellow host Bridget Brennan added: ‘I know it’s meant so much to me and to thousands upon thousands of First Nations viewers waking up to see Tony representing us on the daily.’
The ABC has not yet confirmed who will take over from Tony on the breakfast show’s sport desk.
But ABC’s director of news Justin Stevens said: ‘Tony Armstrong is a once-in-a-generation talent and it has been fantastic watching him soar in his role at News Breakfast.
‘I can’t wait to see what he does into the future and see his career continue to go from strength to strength.’
Tony’s loyal fans were quick to take to social media to share their disappointment that he will no longer be a staple on ABC’s morning TV.
‘Tony Armstrong is leaving ABC News Breakfast. That’s a bit sad, he’s a favourite with so many,’ one user on X – formerly known as Twitter – shared.
‘Tony Armstrong leaving ABC News Breakfast [crying face emojis],’ another penned.
A third added: ‘Love Tony. Met him briefly in Fitzroy once. Truly lovely person. What you see is what you get. Will definitely miss him!’
In another big shake-up, Tony’s exit also came weeks after he was nominated for the prestigious Gold Logie last month along with a whole string of Aussie TV talents.
While he was up against the likes of Julia Morris, Asher Keddie, Andy Lee, Sonia Kruger and Robert Irwin, he ultimately lost out on the win to TV veteran Larry Emdur.
He was also in the running for most popular presenter but the Bert Newton Award was once again also taken home by The Morning Show’s Larry in a landslide win.
It is not the first time he has been recognised at the Logies as he took home the gong for most popular presenter in 2022 and won best new talent the year before.
