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Andrew Johns in telling move after Erin Molan's exit from Channel 9

Andrew Johns and Erin Molan, pictured here on Channel Nine.
Andrew Johns will reportedly return to the Sunday Footy Show after Erin Molan left Channel Nine. Image: Getty

Andrew Johns will reportedly return to the Sunday Footy Show in 2022 following Erin Molan's decision to leave Channel Nine.

Molan hosted the Sunday Footy Show in 2021 but has left the network to take up a role at Sky News.

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According to the Daily Telegraph, Danika Mason will replace Molan as host of the Footy Show, while Johns will also return to the Sunday program.

Johns hasn't appeared on the show since 2019 amid reports of an ugly falling out between himself and Molan.

Rumours of a rift between Molan and Johns started circulating back in 2019, culminating in an emotional breakdown on radio from Molan.

Johns reportedly walked out on his role on Friday night football because he didn't want to work alongside Molan anymore.

The Newcastle Knights legend also walked away from his role on the Thursday night Footy Show in 2018 after Molan replaced Paul Vautin as host.

Molan's stint on the Thursday night program was met with a mixed reaction from fans and the show was eventually axed.

The presenter copped a raft of criticism from fans in the aftermath, sparking a number of high-profile names to speak out in support of her.

Sam Thaiday, Erin Molan, Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer, pictured here on Channel Nine's NRL coverage in 2019.
Sam Thaiday, Erin Molan, Jonathan Thurston and Darren Lockyer on Channel Nine's NRL coverage in 2019. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images) (Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)

“The current trolling of Erin Molan is disgusting & makes me embarrassed to be part of social media,” Supercars reporter Riana Crehan wrote on Twitter.

“The horrific comments are totally inexcusable. Ez is the most brilliant human, broadcaster & mentor & what she has done away from TV goes beyond what many will ever dream to achieve.”

At the time, Channel Nine claimed Johns walked away from Friday night footy in a selfless move to get Billy Slater some more air time.

During an interview in 2020, Molan said: “Andrew Johns is an Immortal and he sees things in our game that no-one else can see.

“I have so much respect for him, as I do all the guys I work alongside.”

Andrew Johns, pictured here before an NRL match in 2019.
Andrew Johns looks on before an NRL match in 2019. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) (Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)

Erin Molan quits Channel Nine after 10 years

Molan is the new Sky News Primetime Contributor and will also write a fortnightly column for the Daily Telegraph.

“We are delighted to welcome Erin to Sky News,” Chief executive officer Paul Whittaker said.

“Erin is a highly respected broadcaster and journalist who fiercely advocates on issues of national importance.

"Her insights will add new context for our discussion and opinion programs.”

Daily Telegraph editor Ben English said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Erin is joining our stellar team of agenda setting columnists.

“Erin is dialled in to the issues that matter to our readers, and her sharp and provocative insights will no doubt get all of Sydney and NSW talking.”

Since joining the Nine Network in 2012, Molan hosted the NRL Footy Shows on Thursday night and Sunday afternoon, as well as reading sports bulletins on the 6pm news.

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