Tom Gleeson mocks Karl, Kochie and Israel Folau in hilarious Logies opening speech

Comedian Tom Gleeson isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers.

His Gold Logie winning speech roasted Australian TV’s top prize, and he took no prisoners earlier in the night either, when he delivered a hilariously brutal opening monologue.

The ABC star kicked off the 2019 Logie Awards on Sunday night with a real bang by taking aim at former Today host Karl Stefanovic.

“I think the reason they ask you to do the opening is because Channel 9 has run out of stars,” the Hard Chat presenter quipped.

“They don't have any left. They have new rule on breakfast TV, if you are too entertaining they fire you. Am I right Karl? Is Karl here, where is Karl?” he continued.

Of course the camera panned to the former Today host who was replaced by Deborah Knight at the start of this year.

“If you are on breakfast TV, if you are too entertaining they fire you,” Tom then said.

“What I'm saying David Koch, [is] your job is safe,” he then added, referring to Sunrise host Kochie.

Kochie cheekily put up his middle finger and rubbed it against his nose, a move matched by Tom who then did the same in the name of some good old Logies fun.

Tom kept with the Channel Nine theme as he continued rolling out the jokes.

“Married At First Sight here? Where are they?” he then said, referring to the controversial reality show that’s been a ratings winner for the TV network.

“Well done. Channel 9 were happy to cash in on your ratings by showing off your tacky weddings and fired Karl Stefanovic for having one,” he said.

A very embarrassed Karl managed to force a smile as all eyes were on him, with his wife Jasmine Yarbrough overseas and not by his side for TV’s night of nights.

Folau also in the firing line

Now the Logies opener wouldn’t be complete without some reference to topics and issues making headlines at the moment.

Two words came to Tom’s mind: Israel Folau.

“Now, Israel Folau by the way, he sent me a message,” he joked.

“He wants me to let you know you're all going to hell. Doesn't worry me though. I know what hell is, having to watch a Wallabies game.”

The 61st TV Week Logie Awards were held on Sunday night at The Star on the Gold Coast.

Gold Logie nominees for 2019 are Tom Gleeson, The Project host Waleed Aly, Doctor Doctor star Rodger Corser, Sunrise presenter Sam Mac, Living Room’s Amanda Keller, Neighbours actress Eve Morey and Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiardis.

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