James Brayshaw to depart Channel Nine after contract breakdown

CHANNEL 9 is set to lose one of its biggest stars as an AFL Footy Show host will depart the network after contract negotiations broke down.

James Brayshaw and The Footy Show cast.

CHANNEL 9 has dumped James Brayshaw in a shock move after the breakdown of contract negotiations.

Craig Hutchison will be a new host on The Footy Show, replacing Brayshaw, who had been with the Nine Network for 11 years.

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Brayshaw gone from Channel 9 cricket commentary team

Sources say Brayshaw was shocked by the decision last night, but there has been months of speculation over his future, particularly after he was left out of Channel 9’s cricket commentary team.

Nine says that move was his call, with Brayshaw confirming that to the Herald Sun last month.

The former North Melbourne chairman attended the network’s Upfronts launch on November 16, along with Footy Show ­colleagues Rebecca Maddern and Billy Brownless.

Brayshaw, who was interstate yesterday, told the Herald Sun:

“Sometimes ... for complicated reasons ... contract negotiations can break down.

I needed flexibility to do some things going forward that were hard to fit into this deal.

But I just want to say that I’ve loved every minute of my 11 years with The Footy Show.

It’s a great show with great people on it and running it.

I wish them all the best for what I know will be a successful future.”

Hutchie will be joining Bec Maddern at The Footy Show desk next year. Picture: Supplied

Sam Newman admitted last night he was disappointed for his friend.

“I would say that’s a fair description that I was shocked,’’ Newman said.

“I’m dis­ap­point­ed I won’t  be working with  him on The Footy Show, at least, ­because he’s a very good friend of mine.

“He’s a big boy. He’s philosophical about it. A bit ­bemused but that’s ­be­tween him and his now former employer. They (the network) make decisions regarding people they employ. I don’t get involved.”

Brayshaw had told the Herald Sun he was unsure why rumours had surfaced that he wanted to call footy on Channel 7 next year.

He said it was a good fit not having cricket commitments over summer so he could spend more time with his family.

“I’m able to pick the kids up from school and make lunches and go to cricket training with them and do the stuff that I haven’t been able to do for 20 years,’’ he said.

“The little ones are 9 and 11. It’s a much better balance, which has not always been a strength of mine.”

Channel 9 Melbourne managing director, Ian Paterson, said in a statement: “We are delighted to welcome Craig to the co-hosting chair on The Footy Show. He is a first-class media performer and businessman with a proven track record in breaking some of the biggest AFL ­stories in history. He will be a terrific addition to the program alongside Rebecca.

“We thank James Brayshaw for his contribution for the past 11 years to The Footy Show and the network. We wish him all the best for his ­future endeavours.”

Hutchison will also continue to be part of the Footy Classified panel, which will welcome back Garry Lyon next year. It’s unclear if he will continue as host of the Sunday Footy Show.

It’s been a turbulent year for The Footy Show with the departure of Lyon after it was revealed he had an affair with Nicky Brownless, the ex-wife of Brownless.