Paul “Fatty” Vautin, one of Australian television’s most beloved personalities, has announced his retirement from Channel 9, marking the end of a remarkable 33-year career at the network.  

A permanent fixture of Australian television, known for his wit, warmth, and passion for rugby league. Vautin leaves a legacy of countless live sports commentary and entertainment hostings that created unforgettable television moments.

Following his glittering playing career where he represented Australia and captained his beloved Queensland Maroons and Manly Sea Eagles, including a premiership in 1987, Vautin began his broadcasting career at Channel 9 in 1991 on the Midday show alongside Ray Martin, Derryn Hinch and Kerri-Anne Kennerley, where he co-hosted a weekly sports segment with former cricketer Simon O’Donnell.

His infectious personality, combined with his deep personal experiences in the game, saw him rise within the network to join the highly renowned Wide World of Sports team, alongside the voice of rugby league Ray “Rabs” Warren and Peter Sterling, including the debut of The Sunday Footy Show in 1993.

However, it was his long-running role on Thursday nights as the host of The Footy Show, which began in September 1994, that cemented his status as an Australian television legend. 

The Footy Show became a cultural phenomenon, blending sport, entertainment, and comedy, and offering an irreverent, behind-the-scenes look at the world of rugby league. As the charismatic and cheeky host, alongside Sterling, Fatty’s unique ability to balance humour with genuine passion for the game made him a standout figure as his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and easy rapport with guests and colleagues shone through. 

His decades-long partnership with fellow commentators and sports figures, including Peter Sterling, Paul “The Chief” Harragon, Mario Fenech, Matty Johns, Darryl “Big Marn” Brohman and Beau Ryan was a defining aspect of his time on The Footy Show, where the interactions with players, coaches, and fans were often as entertaining as the games themselves.

The show’s success was recognised with 11 TV Week Logies Awards for best sports entertainment program, and in 2003, Vautin was awarded the prestigious Logie Award for Most Popular Sports Presenter. 

Always maintaining his role as a regular fixture in the Wide World of Sports commentary box, he developed the ability to simplify the game to entertain and inform some of the highest rating television programs in Australian history, spanning State of Origin, NRL Grand Finals and International fixtures.

Speaking on his retirement, Vautin said: “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many talented people over the years, and I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with some of the most passionate sports fans in the country.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to be part of and I’m grateful for every moment. I’ll miss the laughs, the banter, and of course, the incredible athletes, commentators and the Channel 9 family that I’ve been lucky enough to work with for over three decades.”

Nine Acting CEO, Matt Stanton, said: “Paul Vautin is a true icon of Australian television and a much loved member of the Nine family. After an outstanding playing career he forged a stellar path here at Nine, and we’re truly proud and thankful for what he has achieved. 

“He has been a major part in forging our successful and long standing partnership with the NRL and the passionate fans of the game with his cheeky, yet passionate takes that have  resonated so broadly. We wish him all the best in retirement and will continue to celebrate what he has accomplished for business.”

Nine Director of Sport, Brent Williams, said: “Fatty’s contribution to Nine and Wide World of Sports over 30 years comfortably puts him in the upper echelon of contributors to the Australian television landscape. His infectious energy and warmth, plus a wicked sense of humour made his style unmissable for generations of NRL and sporting fans. 

“Throughout his remarkable television journey, his greatest strength was that he never tried to be anything but himself, which was more than enough for audiences to love him. We thank him for the countless laughs, unforgettable moments, unique insights and friendship. He will always be an integral part of the Wide World of Sports family.”

Ryley McKay
9Network Publicity
ryley.mckay@nine.com.au 

Sunday, December 1, 2024