Channel Nine’s NRL Footy Show is getting a revamp this year with a little extra #girlpower thanks to new host Erin Molan. While Erin was already a part of the team, her new role, which was announced yesterday, will see her take over as host from the longstanding, Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin.
She said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to be hosting a new-look Footy Show. It is a huge honour and one I am incredibly excited about. I am a journalist first and foremost and cannot wait to focus a bit more on football, but of course still have loads of fun.
“The panel will feature the best commentators, former and current players the game has to offer — and it will be a privilege to pick their brains — plus the best journalists with breaking news every week.”
The timing however could have been a little better, as the 35-year-old is pregnant with her first child. She recently admitted to News Corp that planning wasn’t exactly her forte. ”I didn’t plan things overly well, but I do love a challenge.’
“I don’t know what will happen when the time comes but Nine has been phenomenal already. And I can’t see myself being away for too long.”
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Erin announced her pregnancy during a Channel Nine news bulletin last month when she told viewers: “Sean and I are very blessed and very excited to announce that we are having a child, which is slightly terrifying but beautiful news.”
She also joked she would avoid any pregnancy talk on the Footy Show. “Don’t worry, I won’t be telling viewers about how swollen my feet are.”
Erin will be joined on the Footy Show panel by Beau Ryan and Darryl Brohman, who are both set to return in 2018.
The show’s new Executive Producer, Andy O’Brien, talked about the new direction as they try to bolster female fans: “We are working hard to create a show which honours the Footy Show’s rich heritage while reflecting the game and its fans in 2018 and beyond.”
Impending maternity leave aside, Erin is excited to commence her new gig. ‘It is a huge honour and one I am incredibly excited about. I am a journalist first and foremost and cannot wait to focus a bit more on football, but of course still have loads of fun,’ she said.
And we don’t doubt she’ll be a superstar on screen and at home with her soon-to-be bub.
