Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will no longer be hosting SBS coverage of the Eurovision Song Contest, ending 8 years of on-the-ground commentary in Europe.
But for Julia Zemiro, her ties with the iconic brand go back much further, to at least the early 2000s, hosting specials from Sydney.
She is also no longer hosting next week’s Melbourne-event for SBS announcing the 2017 act and song that will represent Australia in Ukraine.
Julia Zemiro said “Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride. Growing up in a French household in Bondi Junction, I fell in love with this amazing contest ever since Abba won the competition. The languages, the characters, the songs and the sequins have always held a warm place in my heart.
“Giving SBS audiences a sneak peek into the machinations of this wonderfully unique event over the years has been an absolute joy and a career highlight. It’s hard to say goodbye but thrilled to be handing over to the next team on a high – douze points.”
Sam Pang said “I’d like to thank SBS for the opportunity to explore the world and share that experience with all those back home but there are only so many sequins, burning pianos, power ballads and singing Russian grannies one man can celebrate in a career, and the time has come for me to pass that privilege on to a new team.”
SBS’s Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “We thank Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang for a wonderful eight years as the faces of such a one-of-a-kind television broadcast that is Eurovision. Julia and Sam’s unique relationship with the audience is something special, and SBS has been fortunate to be able to share their love for the song contest with Australians for so many years running.
“An exciting new era of Eurovision on SBS will begin in 2017 and we are looking forward to introducing the new Eurovision hosts for this year’s contest in Ukraine.”
SBS is also yet to announce a RocKwiz series for 2017, but is planning a special. The long-running music show is also going on the road again with tix on sale next week.