The Gold Logie nominees have been revealed – and there’s more than a few surprise contenders ­– but the TV Week editor has defended the public’s “left-field” choices.

Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis, who has hosted the ABC show since 2012, and Eve Morey from Ten’s Neighbours are among a few unexpected picks.

The short list also includes Sam ‘Sam Mac’ [McMillan) from Sunrise, comedian Tom Gleeson from Hard Quiz, Rodger Corser from Doctor Doctor, Amanda Keller from The Living Room and Waleed Aly from The Project.

The Gold Logie is one of 11 awards in the Most Popular categories, which are voted for by the public.

Voting was open from March 4 until March 31.

Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis has been nominated for a Gold Logie. Photo: AAP

Speaking to The New Daily after the nominees were announced on Sunday on the Gold Coast, TV Week editor Thomas Woodgate advised people to not be too shocked by the nominee selection considering it’s a public choice.

“I’m surprised by the Gold Logie nominees every year. It’s voted by the public,” Woodgate said to those left flabbergasted by the announcement.

The magazine editor said it was also important to remember Australia’s “night of nights” was nothing like the Hall of Fame or any other lifetime achievement award.

“It’s the most popular personality for the last 12 months,” Woodgate said.

“I would love to debate it, talk more and more about what’s going on in the industry. At the end of the day the TV Week Logies celebrate the best in the industry over the year.”

Tom Gleeson of the ABC’s Hard Quiz has been nominated for a Gold Logie. Photo: AAP

The people’s pick of Sam Mac over higher-profile Sunrise stars Natalie Barr, David Koch and Samantha Armytage may have surprised some clued-in viewers.

Woodgate agreed Sam Mac was a “left-field choice”, but admitted he was personally “ecstatic” about the nomination, and awarded the Sunrise host and Gardening Australia’s Costa, the “most animated people” at the nominations party at the Star Gold Coast hotel.

“Sam is definitely a left-field choice, absolutely, [but] at the end of the day, he did campaign pretty hard.

“Sam was very clear, he went out there asking for the nominations. Everywhere you go, he’s put himself out there: ‘I want to be nominated for the Gold Logie’ and it worked.”

When it comes to naming who will clasp the Gold Logie statue, Woodgate has finished the debate and made up his mind.

“I think it’s Amanda Keller. She’s the one to beat,” he said.

“She’s had back-to-back nominations. She just came off a great stint hosting Dancing with the Stars. She has a great body of work after a long time in the industry.”

While TV lovers will have to wait for a winner and the stars of the small screen’s style moments on the red carpet, Foxtel is already celebrating bagging a record 20 nominations for the 61st annual Logies.

Wentworth‘s Celia Ireland, Bernard Curry and Leah Purcell, and Tom Gleeson. Photo: AAP

Leading the way for Foxtel is the critically acclaimed prison drama Wentworth with an impressive six nominations.

Leah Purcell is nominated for Most Outstanding Actress for her role as Rita Connors.

Robbie Magasiva, who plays Will Jackson, is nominated for Most Outstanding Actor.

Celia Ireland is nominated for Most Outstanding Supporting Actress for her role as Liz Birdsworth, while Bernard Curry has been nominated as Most Outstanding Actor for playing Jake Stewart.

Foxtel also received nominations for drama series, A Place to Call Home, Fighting Season, Secret City: Under the Eagle and Mr Inbetween.

As streaming platform viewing becomes the norm, Woodgate said the quality of TV drama had lifted, highlighting the work of Wentworth, Secret City and The Cry on ABC.

“They’ve been some of the best-quality dramas we’ve seen for a long time,” he said.

“So the quantity might be less, but they’re targeting audiences and being more strategic with their shows. They’re investing and believing in this great drama.”

The 61st TV Week Logie Awards will be held at The Star Gold Coast on Sunday, June 30.