Karl Stefanovic and Barnaby Joyce in Hughesy’s firing line at Logies

It's time for celebrities to start ducking for cover. That is, if they haven't started keeping a low profile already.

Dave Hughes will once again open the Logie Awards, promising no one will be spared from his acid-tongued one-liners.

The much-loved comedian and radio host is well-known for taking Aussie stars to task during his warm-up performances. This year is set to be his fourth year in a row opening television's night of nights.

Last year, he famously mocked Channel Seven boss Tim Worner over his affair with former staffer Amber Harrison. The joke resulted in a bit of a storm-in-a-teacup scandal, whereby the comedian was told he wouldn't be appearing on a new Seven gameshow as a result (he was later given the green light, with Worner saying it was simply a miscommunication).

So who will suffer Hughesy's wrath this year?

Advertisement

The Hit Network host said Karl Stefanovic and Barnaby Joyce are "certainly prime targets" in this year's opening speech.

"Barnaby's obvious because he deserves a Logie himself for his contribution to comedy over the last six months," Hughes said. Joyce recently admitted he regrets his $150,000 paid interview with Seven's Sunday Night, in which the former deputy prime minister opened up about his affair with media advisor-turned-partner Vikki Campion.

As for Stefanovic? "Karl always appears to be in the firing line," Hughes said. "You always know he'll be in the room and ready to laugh at himself, so good on him for providing more fodder."

Earlier this year, Stefanovic was embroiled in the so-called "Ubergate" scandal, after an Uber driver spilled the beans on the Nine personality's "shocking rant" towards his Today co-host Georgie Gardner, as well as senior executives.

Hughes also mentioned his radio collegue Grant Denyer could earn an honourable mention. Denyer is in the running for the Gold Logie this year thanks to his work on Ten's Family Feud, which has since been put on ice.

"I spoke to Grant this morning. I told him he's more likely to win if he didn't get that [new] game show," Hughes said of Denyer's new role as Game of Games host. "People were feeling sorry for him over Family Feud getting axed. Charity's a powerful motivator. I think he's done the wrong thing accepting another game show."

As for Worner getting a follow-up mention, Hughesy said he's still thinking about whether or not to re-open that can of worms.

"I need to give Tim a call to see where we're at," he said. "We spoke after last year's Logies… I need to make sure we're still OK. For my career, it might be better to take a crack at Channel 31 this year."

The 60th annual Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, July 1. For the first time, the ceremony is being held on the Gold Coast.

Broede Carmody is an entertainment reporter at Fairfax Media.

Most Viewed in Entertainment

Morning & Afternoon Newsletter

Delivered Mon–Fri.