PLAY TELEVISION LAUGHTER OUR ONLY HOPE

Charlie Pickering been handed the poison chalice? The famed comedian has been picked to host the ABC’s New Year’s Eve telecast and that’s sure to put him in the firing line.

Last year’s telecast was plagued by audio issues and hosts Ella Hooper and Jeremy Fernandez almost missed the midnight countdown.

Older viewers objected to the Falls Festival music interludes featuring grungy alternative acts. Others hit out at Lawrence Mooney’s Pub Quiz segment. This year’s telecast is a complete change- up. Pickering is hosting and there is a massive Countdown concert featuring Molly Meldrum.

Jimmy Barnes, Colin Hay, Casey Donovan, John Paul Young, Marcia Hines, Kate Ceberano, Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie Stevens are among the performers singing Aussie rock classics.

“The ABC promised me the biggest bonus in its history — which worked out to $ 5.75 and a Bananas in Pyjamas DVD — which is a pretty sweet deal,” Pickering laughs.

“Usually I’d be having a very quiet night in consoling a scottish terrier through the fireworks. I’ll do my best ( to avoid criticism) aided by the awesome Countdown concert; 2017 has been a total mess — a chaotic cluster- farce and laughter is the only medicine — our only hope.”

The ABC’s New Year’s Eve telecast will also feature The Early Night Show, hosted by Hoot the Owl and Kitty Flanagan.

After the 9pm fireworks, comedian Sammy J will present his take on some of the year’s biggest news stories.