Axed Footy Show host Beau Ryan has paid tribute to the program after its cancellation – saying he will be ‘halfway up the Centrelink queue’ until he finds a new job.
Channel Nine announced on Tuesday that the flagship rugby league show will end after 25 years on air.
Former NRL star Ryan – who was infamously left without a chair during this season’s opening episode – took to Instagram to thank fans of the show.
It is unclear if Ryan will continue to appear on Channel Nine, while co-host Erin Molan is set for an expanded role on the network.
Channel Nine announced on Tuesday that the flagship rugby league show will end after 25 years on air. Pictured from left: Beau Ryan, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin, Erin Molan and Darryl ‘Big Marn’ Brohman
Former NRL star Ryan – who was infamously left without a chair during this season’s opening episode – took to Instagram to thank fans of the show
Ryan said he grew up idolising former hosts Matty Johns, Peter Sterling and Paul Harragon (pictured)
Ryan shared a photo of himself, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin, Molan and Darryl ‘Big Marn’ Brohman backstage, thanking ‘everyone and anyone’ who contributed to the show.
‘I grew up idolising (former hosts) Matty Johns, Sterlo (Peter Sterling), Chief (Paul Harragon) and to work with Fatty was a dream come true,’ Ryan said.
‘Erin and Big Marn are two of the nicest people I’ve ever met and I’m sure they will continue to have success.
‘Also a huge thanks to everyone who worked on the show on and off camera and the entire Channel Nine network.
‘But finally I want to thank the fans. The people I met along the way. The supporters, the punters, the fanatics, the men, the women and the kids that made my job so enjoyable.
‘I loved every second of it and I’m forever grateful. Footy Show, thanks for the memories, and in the meantime if anyone needs me I’ll be halfway up the Centrelink queue…’
Channel Nine director of sport Tom Malone said the network would have a ‘new look, feel and sound to its rugby league coverage’ next year.
‘Including two new post-match shows to follow Thursday Night Football and Friday Night Football, with a strong emphasis on being at the ground, and interacting with players, fans and coaches,’ he said.
Molan (left) had only been in the host’s chair at the Footy Show earlier in the year, after she unseated longtime serving Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin (right)
Molan will keep her job on the Sunday Footy Show and take on a ‘new role’ with Channel Nine
Molan began the season under the spectre of poor ratings, budget cuts and the show’s push to a later time-slot
Molan will keep her job on the Sunday Footy Show and take on a ‘new role’ with Channel Nine.
She will now cover sports like netball, tennis and cricket.
Mr Malone heaped praise on the ‘star’ and ‘great broadcaster’ and said she will ‘take an even more prominent role on Nine’s sports broadcasts going forward.’
‘In recent years, Erin has equally brought a new energy, perspective and showed her passion for the game,’ Mr Malone said.
Molan had only been installed in the host’s chair earlier in the year, after she unseated longtime serving Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin.
Mr Malone also took the chance to say his final words about the outgoing Footy Show.
‘It’s been an incredible ride for The Footy Show. A quarter of a century of laughs, controversy and first-class footy analysis.
The NRL Footy Show has been axed by Channel Nine after 25 years, following a season of poor ratings
‘I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this amazing era of live sports-entertainment television – from producers, editors, camera operators, the players, guests and of course the legendary hosts.’
The axing of the show brings to a close a 25-year-long chapter of Australian sporting television.
The Footy Show first aired in 1994 and has won 11 Logies for being the most popular show on Australian TV.
Despite its strong run, the show began to show signs that it was on its way out.
Show veteran and former host of nearly 25-years, Vautin was sidelined to a smaller role and Molan was placed in the host’s chair earlier in the year.
Molan began the season under the spectre of poor ratings, budget cuts and the show’s push to a later time-slot.
Her first appearance as host on the show saw an eight per cent dip in viewers in both Sydney and Brisbane, compared to the same time in the previous year.
Ryan was left without a chair during the debut episode, and later in the year Molan was accused of ‘fat-shaming’ former player Dave Taylor.
Molan on the Footy Show: Thank you so much to all the wonderful staff who worked behind the scenes