Earlier this month Australia‘s broadcaster SBS announced that long-running commentators Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang had farewelled their Eurovision gig. Now the broadcaster has confirmed their replacements. Myf Warhurst and Joel Creasey will make their debut in the commentary box in Kyiv.
Myf Warhust is a broadcaster, music nerd and long-term Eurovision fan. She was also part of the Australian jury last year, and claims to regularly host Eurovision parties for her friends. As well as a regular radio show on Double J, she is also well known for her role on the long-running music quiz Spicks and Specks.
Myf sounds excited by the new gig, and told SBS that, “getting into the arena and actually hosting the glittery Olympics of music…. It’s an absolute dream gig for me. I’m still pinching myself!”
Comedian Joel Creasey is also a Eurovision fan. But he’s best known for his work as a stand-up comedian, both in Australia and increasingly overseas. He is openly gay his comedy often features LGBT themes. Joel’s nickname is “the Acid Tongue Prince” — and it seems SBS will be hoping for a bit of that acid in Kyiv.
Joel claims he’s been studying this year’s acts and says “I’ve got my eye on the Swedish backup dancers and Romanian rap yodellers at this point.” Us too, Joel!
SBS announced Myf and Joel’s appointment with this video, where the new duo try out a number of Eurovision looks.
While Australia has broadcast Eurovision since 1983, it’s only been since 2009 that SBS started to regularly send a commentary team to cover the event from Europe.
Prior to 2009, SBS used the BBC’s commentary most years, so Australian viewers became used to the acerbic wit of Terry Wogan. Upon Wogan’s retirement in 2008, SBS decided to do it their own way.
SBS presenters Julia Zamiro and Sam Pang made their debut at Eurovision 2009 in Moscow and have been a fixture at the annual event.
Julia also made an appearance at Eurovision 2014. She starred in the video that explained Australia’s involvement in Eurovision — she was the one responsible for airlifitng Australia all the way to Europe.
But from May, it will be up to Myf and Joel to bring Eurovision downunder. We wish them luck!
Not happy Jan! I wasn’t happy with how SBS handled this to be honest. There was no explanation for the decision, so who knows what went on. If your looking for a younger audience then why Myf? who is a similar age? I’m tune in for the love of eurovision and funny, not age! I love both Myf and Joel and I gave them a chance but I didn’t get the passion from them. I will miss the witty and sarcastic remarks. I might need to find a way to stream Graham Norton’s commentary. I wish I got to honour… Read more »
SBS have nailed this. When Zamiro and Pang announced that they were resigning I instantly thought that nobody could top them and they have proved me wrong. I was crossing my fingers that it wasn’t Ash London and Toby Truslove.
Sam has so mamy gigs now – breakfast radio, HYBPA on TV and that footy filler show on 7. All 3 jobs require him in Australia during May. I reckon he pulled the pin and SBS decided for a complete revamp.
Maybe there is more story behind the scene which we don’t know..they could’ve gotten into some sort of fight behind the scenes last year..
I wonder why they let go of Sam and Julia though? maybe they were asking for a higher paycheck but SBS didn’t want to hmm..
I actually remember in 2003 and 2004 sbs did do a commentary of its own, because in 2003 we ended up having the British commentary to see how they reacted when the UK got zero points. But good luck myf and Joel.
Question: Why did Sam / Julia quit? I kinda liked them, and they loved the contest..
I think we all at some point dreamt of being ESC commentator. I still dream it:)Seems like the best job ever.
Congrats to them, they sure will have fun. And it looks like they know what they are doing.
It bothered you enough to read the article and comment on it….
Call me butthurt if you want, if we all had the same opinions, this world would be boring. You’re only showing yourself up.
And my country is in it :* x
Butthurts again? Some people have always been sour when it comes to Australia. They can report what they want though I don’t find this news interesting. But still, some should stop acting like a desperate housewife craving for attention just because your country is not in it.
So Australia have actually never heard Graham Norton’s commentary (through SBS). I didn’t know that! Fascinating.
One of my dream jobs is to be a Eurovision commentator, so I’m quite jealous, but I wish them both luck. 🙂
Wonder why Wiwi never report about any of the other countries comentaters…like why are the Aussie one star so important?
Oh wait…never mind, it’s AUSTRALIA how silly of me not to notice.
I’m pumped!
Yay myf is Bae, loved watching spicks and specks she’ll replace Julia well and I’m hopeful for Joel for a laugh
When it was announced Julia and Sam were leaving, I actually tweeted SBS and asked for Myf and Joel – and my wish came true! They’ll be brilliant.
I’ll miss Julia, as I miss Des Mangan. But, Yaaaaaas, love that Joel Creasey will be on, love the boy!!!!
Julia hated doing it and Sam refused to work with her….no unity diversity coming together for those two!
What I like about Julia was that she was very emerged in European culture where as these two seem to be more ‘ocker.’
I’ve been quick to criticise SBS when they’ve deserved it, but when they get it right (as they have here – although I’ll miss Sam and Julia) they get it right. Myf is an inspired choice and I’m going in with mild optimism and at least an open mind with Joel. He’s very funny, and as long as the acid is served alongside genuine affection and enthusiasm for the contest he and Myf should be a great team.
Just as long as modern day legend and icon Lee Lin Chin announces their votes, I’ll be fine.
Another Aussie fan, have loved Eurovision for years, and I’m really happy with Myf and Joel. I think we’ll be in good hands, and they are hip and will bring in a younger audience, which is great for SBS and the contest. I’ll miss Julia of course she was a brilliant ambassador for us.
Nah… I would rather choose Ruby Rose…))
As an Australian, I am really happy with the new commentators. Myf was entertaining on spicks and specks( a music quiz show) and Joel creasy was hilarious on I’m a celebrity when he is on it and he is a very good comedian.