AFL Footy Show: Axed Channel 9 program set to make one-off return
It was axed just hours after the struggling new line-up came off air, but The Footy Show might yet return to our screens. Here’s how.
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The Footy Show was axed less than two weeks ago but the iconic program is “locked in” to make a one-off return later in the year, according to Essendon legend Tim Watson.
The media commentator said on his SEN breakfast show that Eddie McGuire and Sam Newman would host a Footy Show special ahead of the grand final.
The pair were no longer involved in the show when Channel 9 cancelled it on May 9 after the network went with a different line-up this year.
“Take this to the bank. The Footy Show will be re-formed in some guise,” Watson said this morning.
“Not a big Rod Laver Arena show, but a big Grand Final Footy Show.
“Eddie McGuire and Sam Newman locked in to co-host the show.”
But McGuire said on Triple M this morning that there have been no decisions at this stage.
“I’ve said in the past and we said when the show finished up that we’d be looking at different things at Channel 9, and we continue to look at things… there’s been no decisions on this,” he said.
“Is it something that’s been contemplated? Yeah.”
The Herald Sun’s TV writer Colin Vickery said it’s an idea that makes sense.
“The grand final Footy Show was far and away the best edition of The Footy Show last year and rated strongly,” he said.
“It was also far better than the grand final edition of The Front Bar.”
He added: “Nine’s original plan was to have three or four specials with Eddie McGuire, Sam Newman and the old team in 2019; a lot of fans would love to see them reunite in September.
“Remember how well the Hey Hey It’s Saturday specials rated; it’s all about fun and nostalgia.”
It comes after his SEN co-host Garry Lyon said the day after Channel 9 cancelled the Footy Show on May that he would be open to returning for a reunion special.
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“They should have said, ‘Listen, we’re no longer, but next we’ll farewell The Footy Show.
“Eddie, Sam (Newman) and Trevor (Marmalade) will do the first half-hour.
“Celebrate that and send it on its way. That’s what should happen. This is an iconic show.”
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