Beloved Aussie sports presenter Tony Armstrong has debuted a new look on ABC News Breakfast this morning, leaving his legions of fans divided.
WATCH: Tony Armstrong’s hilarious on-air gaffe
The Indigenous former AFL player, who turned to journalism after his sports career, is immediately recognisable for his woolly curls and 1970s-style moustache, a look that gained him a very big fan base.
This morning, Tony took to the TV missing both, having shaved his facial hair and clipped his long-ish locks, sending Twitter into a small frenzy.
“Umm… waking up to @Tonaaayy_ lookalike @BreakfastNews today,” a keen-eyed viewer wrote.
“Who’s the new sports reporter? Sounds like @Tonaaayy_ but looks nothing like him!” another fan wrote.
“My mum just called me to let me know @Tonaaayy_ cut his hair,” shared a third.
Australia has fallen somewhat deeply in love with Tony in recent months, as he transitioned from reporting mostly on the ABC to appearing sometimes on The Project as well.
He’s brought much-needed representation to the news space, which he has expressed gratitude for.
“I don’t take it lightly when it comes to the new role,” he said.
“I understand the importance of having representation for my people on screens.
“I love that I’m part of that – and I love that by giving me the opportunity the ABC is part of that too.”
He’s also continued to endear himself to the nation outside of his role in sports news, recently announcing his involvement in a three-part documentary all about dogs.
“It’s a dog’s world, we’re just living in it #ADogsWorldAU,” the ABC wrote on twitter.
“Join @Tonaaayy_ in 2022 as he seeks to understand our ever-evolving relationship with dogs,” they added.
The three-part series will examine genetics, neuroscience, behavioural and physiological research in the hope of discovering why dogs really are man’s best friend.
The documentary, which sounds downright delightful, was filmed a while ago, so will definitely feature Tony in all his curly-haired glory.
Until then, we’re hoping he’ll consider growing out his new, cropped look. But, no hard feelings if he doesn’t.
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