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 he initially turned down the coveted hosting role for the competitive entertainment game show, Australian Ninja Warrior.
The current affairs newsreader – who has now been hosting the Channel Nine series for four years – explained that he didn’t think the presenting gig ‘sounded like him’.
Speaking to WHO magazine, Ben, 43, admitted that it was his news presenter wife Jodie Speers, 37, who convinced him otherwise, prompting him to sign on the dotted line.
![Nearly said no! Ben Fordham, 43, has revealed he initially turned down the coveted hosting role for the competitive entertainment game show, Australian Ninja Warrior [Pictured with Rebecca Maddern]](https://i1.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2020/07/23/06/31093712-8551495-image-a-66_1595482700684.jpg?resize=634%2C378&ssl=1)
Nearly said no! Ben Fordham, 43, has revealed he initially turned down the coveted hosting role for the competitive entertainment game show, Australian Ninja Warrior [Pictured with Rebecca Maddern]
Ben first began by discussing taking over the breakfast radio slot at 2GB earlier this year, admitting that he was ‘scared’ when first offered the position.
He explained that his journey to accept the role was in the same vein as when he was given the opportunity to present Australian Ninja Warrior.
Known for his hard-hitting news reporting, Ben didn’t think the fun family show was up his alley and rejected the role.
However, he was left torn by the decision, even discussing it with his wife Jodie, who convinced him to take on the challenge.
Change of path: The current affairs newsreader – who has now been hosting the Channel Nine series for four years – explained that he didn’t think the presenting gig ‘sounded like him’
Wife knows best! Speaking to WHO magazine , Ben admitted that it was his news presenter wife Jodie Speers, 37, who convinced him otherwise, prompting him to sign on the dotted line
Reflecting on the situation, 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.’
Ben also explained that filming for the new season was underway in Melbourne when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
The TV personality, who shares children, Freddy, 5, Pearl, 3, and Marigold, ten months, explained: ‘I was stuck in Melbourne, away from [my] young family, and it was more than a little bit challenging.’
This comes after Nine finally gave fans a glimpse of the Power Tower in a trailer for the new season of Australian Ninja Warrior.
Reflecting on the situation, 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’
‘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.
The new obstacle will pit the ninjas against one another in what is sure to be an epic display of athletic ability before they meet Mt. Midoriyama.
‘You have not seen anything like this before,’ says commentator Freddie Flintoff.
Australian Ninja Warrior premieres July 26 on Channel Nine.
Exciting! Australian Ninja Warrior premieres July 26 on Channel Nine