'I can't wait for it to begin!' The Footy Show's Rebecca Maddern revealed as host of new upcoming program Australian Ninja Warrior

By Chloe-lee Longhetti and Monique Friedlander For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 19:10 EST, 7 November 2016 | Updated: 19:49 EST, 7 November 2016

She's had a busy and exciting year when she joined the panel of The AFL Footy Show earlier this year, becoming the first female co-host.

And Australian journalist Rebecca Maddern has another exciting project in the pipeline, becoming the host of the upcoming Channel Nine show, Australian Ninja Warrior. 

The blonde beauty, 39, said she is excited about the new program, telling The Daily Telegraph: 'It's fresh, highly compelling and very entertaining — I know Australia will love it and I can't wait for it to begin.'

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New project! Australian journalist Rebecca Maddern will be hosting the upcoming Channel Nine show Australian Ninja Warrior 

She added: 'It's a brand new format and has a huge following overseas.' 

Nine's programming chief Hamish Turner meanwhile gushed about Rebecca, saying she was an obvious choice for the new show, thanks to how well she's done on The Footy Show.

'To sit in there with those guys and hold her own, she's an absolute star and we're excited to bring her to a broad role in the network.'

Incoming: Australian Ninja Warrior is based on the American format (pictured) while the UK also has a similar version

The publication reports the the official announcement from Nine will be on Tuesday.

Rebecca also confirmed on her Instagram that she will star on the new show, but will remain on The Footy Show.

Australian Ninja Warrior is based on the American format while the UK also has a similar version. 

Contestants have to get through tough obstacle courses on the show. 

Doing well: Rebecca's had a busy and exciting year when she joined the panel of the AFL Footy Show earlier this year, becoming the first female co-host

Also starring on The Footy Show with Rebecca is controversial host Sam Newman.  

As for Sam's reaction to the news that Rebecca had been appointed as his co-host earlier this year, Rebecca told Australian Woman's Weekly that it was not what everyone would have expected.

'He was very encouraging about having a female on the show. You might not expect that, but he understands TV and knows you need to evolve,' she explained. 

'He also added that it wasn't that we needed a female. We needed a co-host and he told me, "You were the best man for the job".' 

New kid on the block: The blonde beauty joined the show after Garry Lyon took a leave of absence due to the controversy surrounding his relationship with fellow host Billy Brownless' ex-wife Nicky

In the past, Sam, who has long been a source of controversy, has been branded by viewers as 'sexist' and 'misogynistic.' 

The blonde beauty joined the show after Garry Lyon took a leave of absence due to the controversy surrounding his relationship with fellow host Billy Brownless' ex-wife, Nicky.

While some fans were thrilled by the news of her appointment, others took to The Footy Show's Facebook page to hurl sexist insults at Rebecca and other women in the sports journalism industry. 

 

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