Maddern, the co-host of Weekend Today and Australian Ninja Warrior, has exited the network she has called home for the past five and a half years.It is understood Maddern and the network were unable to agree to terms on a new deal.“Bec has been a great contributor to Nine since she joined us and we wish her well for the future,” Nine said in a statement. Maddern was due to leave the Weekend Today show as part of revamp of the program’s hosting line up in 2022.That would have left her with her current commitments to the Australian Open and other tennis coverage as well as Australian Ninja Warrior for her six figure salary.It is not clear if other hosting opportunities were on the table in 2022 and beyond for her consideration.A lower pay deal is understood to have been offered by Nine with negotiations between the network and their star unable to reach a settlement.Pay cuts are not uncommon across the broadcast and media landscape as old contracts come up for renegotiation.Maddern told Nine her time with the network had included many of her career highlights.“I’m sad to leave my Today Show and tennis colleagues as well, but I’m excited about what’s next,” she said.“I’m also extremely proud of playing a role in helping to change the broadcast landscape for women in sport after hosting the AFL footy show.Her departure means the plum role as co-host of the prime-time favourite Australian Ninja Warrior is up for grabs. Fellow Australian Ninja Warrior anchor, Ben Fordham stepped away from the hosting role mid-year and his replacement is yet to be announced. The Weekend Today refresh will see an ensemble team helm the program in 2022 with Richard Wilkins, Charles Croucher and Belinda Russell taking the reins of the show. Jayne Azzopardi remains as Weekend Today’s news reader.Maddern’s departure has been followed by Lauren Phillips, who is leaving her gig as weather presenter.Nine is still to confirm who will be taking on the weather presenting role – it is understood there is no shortage of presenters keen to nab the high-profile, national live TV opportunity. The KIIS FM breakfast host said it was too difficult juggling both her radio and TV roles.“I’ve been managing a seven morning a week juggle for the last five months and I tried with every part of me to be able to make that possible so I could keep doing this job but unfortunately we all need a life/work balance,’’ Phillips said on Sunday. “So I’m saying goodbye to Weekend Today, which is really sad, and it’s a job I desperately wanted for a really long time. So to walk away from a dream job is never easy but I’m very grateful to have this opportunity.”Host Richard Wilkins paid tribute to both Phillips and his former co-host Maddern.“We’re losing two of our much loved family members,’’ he said.“Bec Maddern is of course leaving the network.“We loved having Bec, it’s been an honour to work with her, so beautiful and talented and just a gorgeous person and it’s been a joy through tough times.”Maddern joined Nine in March 2016 to co-host The Footy Show. She was the first female co-host of the show and the high-profile, much-scrutinised role saw her shoot to national prominence and win respect from across the TV, media and footy industries. During her time at Nine she proved her versatility co-hosting Australian Ninja Warrior, Weekend Today and was part of the network’s coverage of The Australian Open, as well as a range of other tennis tournaments.
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