Tom Gleeson has announced he is quitting The Weekly with Charlie Pickering.
The comedian, 46, confirmed the news during his appearance on the 100th episode of the ABC program on Wednesday.
Host Charlie Pickering asked him if it was genuinely leaving after he had infamously axed his own show Hard Quiz last year, only to use it as a propellant to his 2019 Gold Logie win.
‘It’s definitely true’: On Wednesday, comedian Tom Gleeson, 46, announced he has quit The Weekly on the 100th episode saying he has ‘run out of people to Hard Chat’
Tom said: ‘It’s definitely true, because I’ve run out of people to Hard Chat on this show. There’s no-one left.’
During his Hard Chat segment, Tom would do a sit-down interview with a famous personality and ask awkward, almost inappropriate questions in a deadpan manner.
In the past, he has interviewed celebrities such as James Blunt, Jessica Mauboy and The Veronicas. He has also talked to politicians such as Treasure Josh Frydenberg and opposition leader Anthony Albanese.
Tom said he would miss hosting his brutally honest segment on the show, which he called ‘very influential’. During the Hard Chat segment, Tom would do a sit-down interview with a famous personality and ask awkward, almost inappropriate questions in a deadpan manner
Tom said he would miss hosting his brutally honest segment on the show, which he called ‘very influential.’
‘I mean, we all know about Sophie Monk,’ he said, suggesting that their interview on the segment helped her land the role of The Bachelorette in 2017.
The comedian said that it was because of Hard Chat and his rigorous campaigning that Grant Denyer won the Gold Logie in 2018 after his Channel 10 show Family Feud was axed.
‘Without me Channel 10 would be nothing,’ he said.
Tom also joked about the segment’s influence on politics, saying: ‘On my last episode of The Weekly, Charlie, I am so proud that over our entire time here, I’ve used the ABC to keep the Coalition in power.
‘Scott Morrison if you’re watching, you’re welcome!’
Influential: Tom said he would miss hosting his brutally honest segment on the show, which he called ‘very influential.’ ‘I mean, we all know about Sophie Monk,’ he added, suggesting that their interview on the segment helped her land the role of The Bachelorette in 2017 (pictured)
‘Without me Channel 10 would be nothing’: The comedian also said that it was because of Hard Chat and his rigorous campaigning that Grant Denyer won the Gold Logie in 2018 after his Channel 10 show Family Feud was axed
In his farewell message to Tom, Charlie said: ‘Tom Gleeson, I’m very sad to see you go, but I have to say what a joy it has been for 100 episodes for six years.
‘Making this show with you, it’s been it’s been an absolute pleasure.’
Last year, Tom announced he was quitting as the host of his popular ABC show, Hard Quiz.
But the resignation turned out to be a strategic move to help him nab the Gold Logie, in the same way his segment help Grant Denyer win in 2018.
He joked to News.com.au last year: ‘I am holding Hard Quiz hostage. I have the show in my basement with a gun aimed at its head. If you do not vote for me, Hard Quiz is dead.
‘If you love the show, the only way for it to stay on air is for you to vote for me to get the Gold Logie, otherwise I will deny Australia Hard Quiz.’
Winner! Last year, Tom infamously announced he was quitting as the host of his popular ABC quiz show, Hard Quiz. But the resignation turned out to be a strategic move to help him nab the Gold Logie (pictured in 2019) in the same way his segment help Grant Denyer win in 2018