Sam Pang wins coveted Gold Logie and gives hilarious acceptance speech – as Magda Szubanski makes surprise return to TV following cancer battle

Published: 14:32 BST, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 15:29 BST, 16 August 2026

Sam Pang has taken home the coveted Gold Logie Award for most popular personality on Australian television.

The funnyman and former Logies host proved his popularity on the night by beating out Allison Langdon, Julia Morris, Lisa Millar, Poh Ling Yeow and Todd Woodbridge for the top gong. 

'Thank you very much. I don't know what to say. I have never received a standing ovation,' said Sam as he accepted the award from Magda Szubanski who made a surprise appearance as fictional character Sharon Strzelecki.

It marked the Kath & Kim star's first TV appearance since she completed chemotherapy in February for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. 

Pang went on to congratulate all of his fellow nominees, and this year's host, Robert Irwin. 

'What a wonderful job you've done,' he said, before pointing out the wildlife warrior's age. 'Twenty-two years. I've got neck ties older than him.' 

Sam Pang has taken home the coveted Gold Logie Award for most popular personality on Australian television 

The funnyman and former Logies host proved his popularity on the night by beating out Allison Langdon, Julia Morris, Lisa Millar, Poh Ling Yeow and Todd Woodbridge for the top gong

'Thank you very much. I don't know what to say. I have never received a standing ovation,' said Sam as he accepted the award from Magda Szubanski who made a surprise appearance as fictional character Sharon Strzelecki

It marked the Kath & Kim star's first TV appearance since she completed chemotherapy in February for stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer (Pictured alongside Robert Irwin)  

Pang then went on to pay tribute to his nearest and dearest – and couldn't resist putting the boot in.

'I'm going to forget some names… if I do forget you, maybe have a think about how much you actually did,' he said to uproarious laughter. 

Pang went on to thank his family in Australia, and his 'secret one overseas', before delivering an earnest insight. 

'I grew up watching television at the feet of my parents – they wouldn't let me on the couch – and I never thought I would be on it,' he continued. 

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