The long-serving Channel Seven newsreader replaces Garry Lyon, who is battling mental illness, and will join James Brayshaw and Sam Newman in hosting the popular Melbourne-based weekly program.
“I have been a fan of the show for many years and I am thrilled to have a new challenge that allows me the opportunity to use my footy knowledge and work alongside some of the best in the business,” she said in a statement.
Rebecca, 38, also told Melbourne’s 3AW radio show that she’d be quick to rein in James and Sam if they over-step the mark, as they did in 2009 when groping a mannequin dressed as journalist Caroline Wilson.
The Footy Show has been criticised over the years for being too blokey and at times sexist, despite research revealing that 45% of the audience is female.
Channel Nine Melbourne’s managing director Ian Paterson says it is a good time to “reset” the program.
“Having Rebecca come on board to co-host with her own perspective is a relevant decision, and we’re really excited at the prospect of what her dynamic personality will bring to the show,” he says.
“She loves footy, she’s an accomplished journalist and presenter, and her personality and sense of humour suits the show. We’re excited to have her fronting The Footy Show with James.”
Although Erin Molan is warmly received in the hosting chair on NRL’s Footy Show, it seems many AFL fans are yet to be convinced that Rebecca is the right choice for their sport.
They flooded social media with sexist and lewd comments as soon as the news was announced.
Suggestions of sexual favours and references to “political correctness gone wrong” were among hundreds of derogatory comments left on The Footy Show‘s own Facebook page.
