Rival network comes calling for Bec Maddern

Maddern quit the network after five and a half years following the breakdown of protracted contract negotiations.It’s believed her move took Nine by surprise as it leaves top show Australian Ninja Warrior without both hosts following Ben Fordham’s decision to step away from the role.Ninja Warrior is due to begin filming in Sydney in February and Fordham also believes Maddern will now join rival Channel 7.Maddern looks set to join 6pm newsreader Mike Amor as co-anchor, which would be the same male/female formula set-up Seven employed in Sydney a year ago, as revealed by The Australian on Monday.Maddern was the first female to host the AFL Footy Show, which could also point to her being involved in the network’s football coverage.Jacqui Felgate and Abbey Gelmi are among the main footy hosts.Maddern’s exit also means a reshuffle of Weekend Today, which she co-hosted with Richard Wilkins. She was also a key presenter on Nine’s Australian Open tennis coverage.“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 a revamp of the program’s hosting line-up in 2022. A lower pay deal is understood to have been offered by Nine.Maddern told the Herald Sun last week: “I’m sad to leave my Today Show and tennis colleagues, as well, but I’m excited about what’s next.“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.”Maddern’s departure has been followed by Lauren Phillips, who is leaving her gig as weather presenter.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.“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.”