Garry Lyon to stand down Channel Nine reveals in statement, amid Billy Brownless split

LATEST: Channel Nine has announced Garry Lyon will stand down from media duties amid a damaging split with The Footy Show co-host Billy Brownless.

Billy Brownless and Garry Lyon on “The Footy Show”.

CHANNEL Nine has announced Garry Lyon will stand down from media duties amid a damaging personal split with Footy Show co-host Billy Brownless.

The station issued this statement this afternoon:

“Garry Lyon will stand down from his various media duties while he seeks treatment for an ongoing mental health condition.

EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Footy Show stars in bitter feud

Billy Brownless and Garry Lyon on “The Footy Show”.

“For several months The Footy Show and Footy Classified co-host has been suffering from a serious mental health condition and he will take time out from all media roles to recover. There is no set time frame as to when he will return to television.

“We are all supporting Garry and hope he will be back to good health very soon. Our priority is his wellbeing,” said Ian Paterson, Managing Director Nine Melbourne.

DENNIS COMETTI: GETTING TO KNOW FOOTY’S MR SMOOTH

“Garry has our full support. From here on, it’s a private and personal matter and we ask that be respected.”

The Footy Show will return next month.

James Brayshaw will host the show solo until Garry is fit to return.

Damian Barrett will fill in for Garry on Footy Classified during his absence.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp

Footy Show feud threat to TV show

A FEUD between Garry Lyon and best friend Bill Brownless has threatened to disrupt the make-up of The Footy Show this year.

The Herald Sun understands the two have fallen out over a deeply private matter which has affected both Lyon and Brownless personally.

Brownless is said to be devastated by the turn of events and has conceded to friends that his mateship with Lyon is virtually over.

The season-opening show was expected to be on March 23 — the day before the AFL season kicks off at the MCG.

Read more of Mark Robinson’s exclusive report.

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide prevention support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp