Rebecca Maddern returns to Channel 7 after leaving Channel 9

After quitting her various hosting duties at Channel 9, Rebecca Maddern has announced she’s officially switched networks.

Rebecca Maddern has announced she’s returning to Channel 7 where she first began her journalism career.

The 44-year-old TV host, who abruptly quit Channel 9 in November after five years, took to social media to reveal she was the new weekend co-anchor for Seven News Melbourne alongside journalist Mike Amor.

“I walked through the door of Channel 7 when I was just 24 years old as a young cadet and now I return to read the weekend news,” Maddern wrote on Instagram.

“I couldn’t be happier to sit beside Mike, he’s one of the best journos in the country.”

Rebecca Maddern has joined the Channel 7 news team. Picture: Josie Hayden

Maddern will co-host the Friday and Saturday bulletins.

Amor added: “Bec is not just a fantastic broadcaster and journalist, but also a dear friend, and I can’t wait to share the news desk with her.”

Maddern and Mike Amor will co-anchor Seven’s weekend bulletins. Picture: Josie Hayden

Maddern is understood to have left Nine after extended contract negotiations with network executives broke down.

She first joined Nine in March 2016 as part of The AFL Footy Show and was the first female co-host, shooting her to national prominence, before going on to be a part of its coverage of the 2019 Cricket World Cup, 2019 Ashes Series in England as well as the Australian Open.

Most recently, she was co-hosting Weekend Today and Australian Ninja Warrior.

“I’ve had an amazing time on The AFL footy show, Australian Ninja Warrior, the Australian Open Tennis, Cricket World Cup and of course Weekend Today. I’ve been very lucky and may the adventure continue,” Maddern continued.

Seven News Melbourne director Shaun Menegola, said: “We’re thrilled to have Bec back on the 7 News team where she spent 14 years reporting on major events in this state, including her coverage of the 2003 bushfires, which was recognised with a Quill Award.”

Maddern’s departure from Nine came weeks after her Ninja Warrior co-host, Ben Fordham, quit the reality show to focus on his 2GB hosting gig.

There were reports of “friction” between the pair, but Fordham put that to bed in an Instagram post paying tribute to Maddern after her exit from the network.

Rebecca Maddern and Ben Fordham both quit Australian Ninja Warrior in late 2021.

However, he did reveal they once had a fight on set.

“Having a few drinks with @rebeccamaddern as we farewell her from Channel 9,” he wrote.

“We were thrown together on Ninja Warrior and became instant buddies.

“We worked some really crazy hours and both had the odd meltdown.

“One day we had an argument and I left in a bit of a huff. About eight (minutes) later she called me and said, ‘OK this has gone on long enough,’ and we laughed ourselves silly.

“She’s a super talented performer and can do absolutely anything. Good luck with the next adventure, Bec.”