After 22 years on Australian screens as the beloved Alf Stewart, Home & Away star Ray Meagher has taken home gold at this year’s Logie Awards.

The gold Logie recognizes Australia’s favorite television personality. Ray beat out strong competition to snare the award, including last year’s winner Rebecca Gibney and three-time recipient Rove McManus.

But at the end of the day, the Australian voters couldn’t resist the charms of Alf “Flaming” Stewart. Some have suggested that the veteran was given the award in sympathy, as Ray had never won in all his years on the screen. That might be so, but after his colorful speech I’m sure no one begrudged him the trophy!