NINJA IN CRISIS KARL & DICKIE: RACE FOR TV'S TOP JOB

NINE’S BIGGEST NAMES ARE EYEING OFF THE VACANT NINJA WARRIOR HOSTING GIG

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It’s fast paced, high energy and brings ratings that make its timeslot rivals sweat. But despite the success, Australian Ninja Warrior has seen its hosts, Ben Fordham and Rebecca Maddern, quit!

Recently, Rebecca, 44, walked away from Nine after almost six years at the network, exiting following a lengthy contract negotiation. Reports indicate she and Nine “were unable to agree to terms on a new deal” for her contract.

Meanwhile, Ben, 45, announced his departure from Ninja in October.

Speaking exclusively to New Idea, a Nine insider reveals that the quest to become the rating juggernaut’s new host has narrowed down to a two-horse race between popular Nine personalities, Today host Karl Stefanovic and Weekend Today’s Richard ‘Dickie’ Wilkins.

“When Ninja first kicked off, no-one wanted to host it! Now it’s become one of the big-ticket items for the Nine Network and everyone is throwing their hat into the ring – enter Karl and Dickie,” laughs the source.