Why Ben Fordham initially turned down hosting Australian Ninja Warrior because ‘it didn’t sound right’ – before his wife convinced him otherwise
Ben Fordham has revealed why he initially turned down the offer to host Australian Ninja Warrior.
The respected journalist, who has fronted the Channel Nine series since 2017, explained that he didn’t think the role ‘sounded like him’.
Ben, 43, told WHO magazine on Thursday that it was his wife, Seven newsreader Jodie Speers, who convinced him otherwise.
Nearly said no! Ben Fordham (right) has revealed why he initially turned down the offer to host Australian Ninja Warrior. Pictured with co-host Rebecca Maddern
Ben mentioned his misgivings about the obstacle course show while discussing his recent promotion to the breakfast slot on 2GB radio.
He said he was ‘scared’ about replacing veteran broadcaster Alan Jones, noting that he’d felt the same way when Nine asked him to host Ninja Warrior four years ago.
Ben, who is known as a serious news reporter, said he didn’t think the family-friendly program was for him and so initially rejected the role.
Change of path: The respected journalist, who has fronted the Channel Nine series since 2017, explained that he didn’t think the role ‘sounded like him’
Wife knows best! Ben, 43, told WHO magazine on Thursday that it was his wife, Seven newsreader Jodie Speers (left), who convinced him otherwise
But he was torn by the decision, and eventually changed his mind after talking it over with Jodie, with whom he shares three children, Freddy, five, Pearl, three, and Marigold, 10 months.
Ben added: ‘I have learnt that if you’re asked to do something, and it scares you, the smartest thing to do is say yes because you don’t want to have any regrets.’
He also revealed that filming for the new season had been under way in Melbourne when the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the start of the year.
‘I was stuck in Melbourne, away from [my] young family, and it was more than a little bit challenging,’ he said of the difficult time.
Hindsight: Reflecting on the decision, Ben said, ‘I’ve learnt that if you’re asked to do something and it scares you, the smartest thing is to say yes because you don’t want to have any regrets’
It comes after Nine finally gave fans a glimpse of the new Power Tower obstacle in a trailer for the new season of Australian Ninja Warrior.
‘We’re super charging Ninja Warrior for the first time ever its ninja versus ninja… the almighty Power Tower is here,’ a voice over says.
The Power Tower appears to be a tall structure with gymnastic rings, ropes and ladders attached.
Australian Ninja Warrior premieres July 26 on Channel Nine
Exciting! Australian Ninja Warrior premieres July 26 on Channel Nine