There’s been a helluva lot of upheaval garn on at the AFL’s popular panel show, ‘The Footy Show’.
Since ~the incident~ happened with Garry Lyon and Billy Brownless, the show’s first female commentator was hired: Rebecca Maddern (who’s been killing it, btw).
Now it’s being reported that long-time host James Brayshaw has been “dumped”, and will be replaced by host of ‘The Sunday Footy Show‘ Craig Hutchison.
In a media release, Channel 9 didn’t confirm whether Brayshaw willingly stepped down or was let go – only confirming that Hutchison would be “taking over” for him:
“We are delighted to welcome Craig to the co-hosting chair on The Footy Show. He is a first-class media performer and businessman with a proven track record in breaking some of the biggest AFL stories in history.He will be a terrific addition to the program alongside Rebecca”, said Channel 9 Melbourne’s Managing Director Ian Paterson.
However, the Herald Sun are reporting that Brayshaw was “dumped”:
He told the newspaper:
“Sometimes … for complicated reasons … contract negotiations can break down.I needed flexibility to do some things going forward that were hard to fit into this deal.But I just want to say that I’ve loved every minute of my 11 years with The Footy Show.It’s a great show with great people on it and running it.I wish them all the best for what I know will be a successful future.”
On Twitter, entertainment reported Peter Ford has said he reported this story a month ago, and the reason behind Brayshaw‘s dismissal was that his pay demands had become too steep:
As I first reported 4 weeks ago James Brayshaw priced himself out of a job at 9 and was totally unwilling to compromise.
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) December 4, 2016
The Herald Sun also included a statement from Brayshaw‘s former co-host, Sam Newman, who also expressed shock:
“I would say that’s a fair description that I was shocked.I’m disappointed I won’t be working with him on The Footy Show, at least, because he’s a very good friend of mine.He’s a big boy. He’s philosophical about it. A bit bemused but that’s between him and his now former employer. They (the network) make decisions regarding people they employ. I don’t get involved.”
The Channel 9 statement thanked Brayshaw for his 11 years of service with the company, and wished him the best for the future:
“We thank James Brayshaw for his contribution for the past 11 years to The AFL Footy Show and the network. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”
Source: Herald Sun / Supplied.
Photo: The Footy Show.
