Tony Armstrong breaks his silence on his future plans in television after ugly split with the ABC… and rumours he will replace veteran Seven newsreader

Tony Armstrong has finally revealed his upcoming plans on television after quitting ABC News Breakfast.

The TV star – widely regarded as the golden boy of public broadcasting – left his role earlier last Friday after three years with the network.

While discussing his future career moves on Channel Ten’s The Project on Friday, Armstrong revealed he will be working on “slower stuff” compared to the fast-paced editorial environment he is used to.

“News Breakfast, or news, as we all know, you’re tied to a desk. So you always have to come back to something,” the 35-year-old explained to the jury.

‘It’s harder to think slower. So working on some of that stuff.

‘I won’t be on television as much as I used to. But I’ll be there.’

The TV star also teased that he has another exciting ‘factual six-part’ project with the ABC early next year and appeared on The Project to tie in his new children’s book, titled George the Wizard.

Armstrong’s announcement comes amid rumors that he replaces top Channel Seven newsreader Tim Watson, presenting sport on 7News Melbourne.

According to TV black boxsports presenter Tim, 63, is reportedly ‘ready to call it a day’ at the network after 13 years, delivering his weekday sports bulletin during the 6pm news in Melbourne.

Rebecca Maddern was seen as the frontrunner for the role, but rumors are now swirling that Armstrong is also in the running to take over the top job.

Luke Darcy accidentally announced his friend Tim’s much-publicised departure on his Triple M radio show last month, before realizing Seven was still keeping the move top secret.

Discussing his future career moves on Channel Ten’s The Project on Friday, Armstrong revealed he will be working on “slower stuff” compared to the fast-paced newsroom

“I’m going to drop another little bomb here and that is… Tim “Whispy” Watson is about to end up at the Seven Network,” the AFL star turned radio presenter told his listeners.

Moments later, he began angrily backtracking after his co-hosts questioned whether Tim was aware that his impending departure would be made public on their show.

“Maybe that was an off-air conversation,” Luke then admitted. “Let’s forget that part… let’s forget that… we’ll move on from that part.”

Armstrong’s contract with ABC is expected to expire in a few weeks, although he is hopeful of landing a prime time hosting gig with the network next year.

Armstrong – widely regarded as public broadcasting’s golden boy – left his position earlier last Friday after three years at the station

When he announced his departure from ABC News Breakfast last month, Armstrong confirmed he will work on a new project with ABC next year, but remained coy about the details of the mysterious job.

“There’s something coming out early next year, I’m not allowed to say what it is yet, it’s top secret,” the former Sydney Swans star teased.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted representatives for Channel Seven and Armstrong for comment.

Armstrong’s last day at ABC News Breakfast was somewhat marred when he was called out by the network for doing voiceovers for insurance company NRMA while working on the program.

Announcing Armstrong’s appearance on Media Watch, Janine Perrett revealed he had been working as a voice for NRMA Insurance ads since July.

The Media Watch stand-in presenter said it was ‘astonishing’ that Armstrong had failed to gain approval from the broadcaster before landing the new gig.

The ABC’s editorial policy states that any outside work by a high-profile presenter is not prohibited but is considered ‘very high risk’.

The ABC told Media Watch that his voiceover work was done without his knowledge and was due to a ‘misunderstanding with Tony’s external representation’.

‘They have been provided with a copy of the external working guidelines and have been reminded that all ABC employees must comply with these. Tony is a highly valued employee and has the full support of the ABC,” the broadcaster said.

Armstrong’s last day at ABC News Breakfast was somewhat marred when he was called out by the network for doing voiceovers for insurance company NRMA while working on the program. Pictured with friend Rona Glynn-McDonald during the 2024 Logies

Addressing the controversy, the sports star then admitted it had been a “funny old week” during his latest ABC News Breakfast show on Friday.

‘Mixed feelings. You can see it in my body language: I don’t like to talk about myself, despite having a career where I’m in front of a camera,” he told viewers.

“It’s been such a whirlwind three years. Believe it or not, I was nervous when I started.

‘It didn’t take long. But hey, that wasn’t that long ago. And yes, News Breakfast basically gave me everything. It’s given me… It’s given me a joy ride!

“I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now to be able to go out on my own terms and into whatever comes next.

‘I don’t know exactly what it is yet… I’m very grateful to everyone watching and everyone who has said such nice things to me over the course of this week.

‘It’s been a funny old week. But yes, people have been very nice to me.’