ABC hosts almost miss the countdown to 2017

The ABC has been left red-faced after its hosts almost missed the New Year’s Eve countdown to midnight when they got distracted by the Hoodoo Gurus.

Ella Hooper and Jeremy Fernandez were standing on the Sydney foreshore with the Australian band trying to talk to singer Dave Faulkner when the drummer frantically interrupted and pointed to the clock.

"Oh there we go five seconds to go before the countdown. We hope you have enjoyed the show at home as much as we have," Fernandez said quickly.

The two hosts were clearly flustered as they attempted to race through the countdown before fireworks erupted across the city.

Social media quickly took to Twitter to vent their frustration over the bungle.

 https://twitter.com/DarrenMaxwell74/status/815181326185701376