Julia Zemiro and Sam Pang will hand over the hosting reigns to Eurovision after eight straight years at the helm of SBS's coverage.
SBS made the announcement today ahead of the unveiling of Australia's entry for the world’s biggest talent contest, to be announced on Tuesday.
"Eight amazing years hosting Eurovision; what a wonderful and hilarious ride," Zemiro said.
"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.”
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Pang paid tribute to the quirky nature of the event.
“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," he said.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid thanked the pair for their contribution.
“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," he said.
"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 will announce the new hosting and commentary team in coming weeks.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Kyiv, Ukraine, and will get underway with the first semi-final on May 9.
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