Revamped Footy Show plummets in ratings
<p>Last night, <em>The NRL Footy Show</em> returned to Aussie screens with a new main host and panel layout.</p>
<p>However, viewers were left unsatisfied with the many changes that had been made to the show, including the replacement of prior main host Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin with Erin Molan.</p>
<p>Disappointed viewers took to social media after the episode had aired to criticise the show, with many fans vowing to never tune in again.</p>
<p>NRL player and fan favourite comedian Beau Ryan was even unable to save the dynamic. </p>
<p>The backlash of the episode was so intense that an Instagram photo for the Footy Show promoting its return, had to have the comments section disabled.</p>
<p>The term “bring back the fat”, a reference to Vautin’s nick name, began to emerge online, while others said the new panel layout reminded them of a councillors meeting.</p>
<p>“Watched it, disappointing, boring as hell. Bring back the Fat!!!,” one viewer wrote.</p>
<p>Another congratulated Molan on scoring the role but was unimpressed with the delivery.</p>
<p>“It's international women’s day but damm @Erin_Molan really? (sleeping emojis).”</p>
<p>Other viewers discussed the difference in energy levels, saying that Vautin’s charisma was clearly missing.</p>
<p>“I have always watched the footy show but tonight I’m sorry but Erin you are so boring awkward and in no way a capable host. Why do you have a pen in your hand all the time what was with the clip boards the old coffee table that looked like something from the salvos #NRLFootyShow.”</p>
<p>“Channel 9 has absolutely butchered both footy shows. NRL footy show did not need change. Was a great show with Fatty. Don’t think I’ll bother watching that dribble again. </p>
<p>“This is the most boring footy show I have ever watched on Channel 9 before I can't believe they let Fatty go. He is the best host on the footy show. I miss his laughter and entertainment on the show. I wish he didn't leave and it's not the same without him,” one viewer wrote.</p>
<p>The show also took an awkward turn when Beau Ryan was left without a chair and was forced to kneel next to the other panellists. </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/footyshow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#footyshow</a> cringeworthy. poor Beau is kneeling next to the blokes who have chairs...</p>
— Adam Williams (@adambou) <a href="https://twitter.com/adambou/status/971705757841289216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="499" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7816200/1_499x280.jpg" alt="1 (98)"/></p>
<p>Molan first joined the NRL Footy Show in 2012 and became a full-time host alongside Beau Ryan in 2015.</p>
<p>Vautin began his long stint on the Footy Show in 1994 with Peter Sterling.</p>
<p>Last year while he was on a holiday with his family, the 58-year-old received the news that his role on the show would not continue.</p>
<p>“In the end nothing lasts forever,” Vautin wrote to WSFM's Brendan Jones.</p>
<p>“I had a great run, especially for a short, chubby, red-head who played for both Manly and Queensland.”</p>
<p>Did you watch last night’s episode of <em>The NRL Footy Show</em>? If so, share your thoughts on the episode in the comments below.</p>