Fordham spills on argument with ex Ninja Warrior co-host

The TV presenter and radio host used the story to highlight the closeness of their working relationship as part of a tribute to Maddern, who has abruptly left Nine. It is understood Maddern and the network could not come to an agreement on terms for a new deal.

Fordham shared the post to social media, alongside an image of he and Maddern sharing a hug.

“Having a few drinks with @rebeccamaddern as we farewell her from Channel 9,” he wrote.

“We were thrown together on Ninja Warrior and became instant buddies.

“She said, ‘If you’re married to Jodie Speers, you can’t be that bad,’ and we just hit it off. We worked some really crazy hours and both had the odd meltdown.

“One day we had an argument and I left in a bit of a huff. About eight (minutes) later she called me and said, ‘OK this has gone on long enough,’ and we laughed ourselves silly.

“She’s a super talented performer and can do absolutely anything. Good luck with the next adventure, Bec.”

Over the weekend, it was announced that Maddern – who has been with the Nine for five-and-a-half years as a co-host of Weekend Today and Australian Ninja Warrior – had left the network.

Maddern didn’t appear on Weekend Today on Saturday or Sunday.

“Bec has been a great contributor to Nine since she joined us and we wish her well for the future,” a Nine spokesman said.

Maddern joined Nine in March 2016 as part of The Footy Show and was the first female co-host, shooting her to national prominence.

She then went on to be a part of its coverage of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, 2019 Ashes Series in England as well as the Australian Open.

The 44-year-old’s departure means the coveted role of the host of Australian Ninja Warrior is up for grabs, after fellow anchor Ben Fordham left the hosting role mid-year.

Originally published as Ben Fordham reveals argument with former co-host Rebecca Maddern