The very surprising short-odds favourite to win this year's coveted Gold Logie is revealed

 A surprise frontrunner has emerged in the race to take out the coveted Gold Logie at this year's TV WEEK Logie Awards.

Beloved Home and Away star Lynne McGranger, 72, is now the clear favourite to win Australian television's top prize, after a wave of public support and sentimental backing for her 33-year run as Irene Roberts on the long-running soap.

According to betting giant Sportsbet, McGranger has stormed into the lead with odds of just $1.37 – far ahead of her nearest rivals.

She's now well ahead of A Current Affair's Ally Langdon ($5.00), LEGO Masters host Hamish Blake ($8.50), ABC presenter Lisa Millar ($10.00), and comedian Julia Morris ($11.00). 

Meanwhile, MasterChef Australia star Poh Ling Yeow sits at $13.00, while 2023 Gold Logie winner Sonia Kruger has blown out to $17.00.

A surprise frontrunner has emerged in the race to take out the coveted Gold Logie at this year's TV WEEK Logie Awards. Beloved Home and Away star Lynne McGranger is now the clear favourite to win Australian television's top prize according to betting giant Sportsbet.

The veteran actress, who earlier this year announced her departure from Home and Away, is being widely tipped to take home the Gold as a touching send-off from viewers - and it's not just fans backing her in.

'My son-in-law messaged me when the news broke about the Gold Logie. He said, "I just got you at $3.50 - I put $100 on you". Then he said, ‘That's ridiculous... your odds should be much shorter than that!' she told Perth Now.

'But then within a week, I was $1.70, so now he is very chuffed. If I have to get up and make a speech, I'll make it known publicly he just made $350 off me!'

McGranger first appeared on the long-running soap in 1993 and has played Irene Roberts for over three decades.

Her exit storyline, which sees her character diagnosed with Alzheimer's, is currently unfolding on-screen and has struck an emotional chord with viewers. 

'It's humbling and really overwhelming to even be nominated,' McGranger said.

'If I had known this was going to happen, I would have left years ago! But in all seriousness, I am loving the ride.'

The veteran actress will be joined by her daughter Clancy at Sunday's ceremony in Sydney.

According to Sportsbet, McGranger has stormed into the lead with odds of just $1.37 – far ahead of her nearest rivals,

Comedian Sam Pang is set to host the event,

At the ceremony, beloved rocker Jimmy Barnes is set to take the stage at The Star Sydney on August 3, bringing four decades of fan-favourite hits to Aussie ears.

Jimmy, who has 21 number-one albums under his belt as well as a place in the ARIA Hall of Fame, revealed he couldn't wait to 'get the party jumping' at the annual awards ceremony.

'I am excited about playing at the Logies, television's big night of nights,' the 69-year-old said.

'It will be great to celebrate all the fantastic talent we have in Australian television, and to play some rock'n'roll music to get the party jumping.'

The Aussie icon will be joined by the likes of Kitty Flanagan, Hamish Blake and Leigh Sales, who are just a few of the presenters expected to wow the crowd.

It has also been revealed that Sam Pang will host the event for the third time.

Sam's cheeky and irreverent comedy as host last year and in 2023 proved to be a big hit with audiences and TV's A-list, as well as a major ratings winner for Seven.

'It's been an honour to host the last two years. I'm looking forward to again celebrating the talented people and amazing shows that combine to make the Aussie TV industry something everyone can be proud of,' Sam told The Herald Sun.