Maddern backs Lyon’s return to television

REBECCA Maddern has thrown her support behind Garry Lyon returning to television, after she replaced him as co-host of The Footy Show.

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REBECCA Maddern has thrown her support behind Garry Lyon returning to television, after she replaced him as co-host of The Footy Show.

Lyon is expected to be part of the Footy Classified team next year, after a year out of the spotlight dealing with mental health issues.

It was revealed in February that Lyon had stepped down from The Footy Show after his affair with Nicky Brownless, the wife of Billy Brownless, became public.

Garry Lyon has maintained a low profile since disappearing off the screen.

Rebecca Maddern arrives at the Birdcage. Picture: AAP

Billy Brownless, Eddie McGuire, James Brayshaw and Garry Lyon before the show’s troubles. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Maddern believes it’s a good thing that Lyon is able to return to television.

“We all know he has had his issues over the past few months, and it’s a great thing that he is feeling in the capacity to get back to work after his troubles,” she said in the Birdcage in Flemington.

“I think it’s a great thing that he will be returning to TV next year.

“It’s great for him, and it’s great for the show.

“We know his football knowledge is second to none, so anytime Garry Lyon is talking about football, the public benefits because his knowledge is so expansive.”

Maddern has just returned from a holiday in Hawaii, after a successful year on The Footy Show.

On reflection she said it was a dream job.

“At the start I was a little bit nervous about accepting the role because it is such an iconic show,” she said.

“Then when I got into it, about after three weeks, I thought to myself, this is a dream job.

“It is wonderful.”

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