Rebecca Maddern THE TRUTH ABOUT TURNING 40

The Ninja Warrior host talks about how her milestone birthday will affect her career

Everything is about to change for Rebecca Maddern.

After 18 months in the hot seat on the new-look AFL Footy Show, the veteran presenter is about to be beamed into homes around the nation on prime time TV as co-host of Australian Ninja Warrior... just weeks before her 40th birthday.

The blonde beauty admits to New Idea she’s glad to have her hands full with the debut of Channel Nine’s new show, as it gives her an excuse to bypass celebrating the day on August 6.

‘My husband Trent [Miller] celebrated his 40th a couple of weeks ago, so the focus has just been on him,’ she explains.

‘We had a party for him, so I’m happy to say that’s my party as well. I’d rather the spotlight be on somebody else.

‘Honestly, I feel 25. When I look at my date, the year I was born, I think: “Surely that’s not right, it can’t be – it can’t be that long ago!”’

While she’s not keen on birthdays, Rebecca is grateful to be ageing in a time when mature women are finally finding their place on TV.

‘Look at Lisa Wilkinson and Sonia Kruger... I think we’re echoing what’s been happening in the States for years. Most of the top [female] money earners are 50-plus,’ she says.

And there’s no show to keep you young quite like international smash hit Ninja Warrior, which sees competitors attempt to complete a series of obstacles similar in style to Gladiators.

While Rebecca says she’s ‘not a gym junkie’, there’s no denying she’s never looked better.

‘I do like to keep fit and healthy... but the first day I got on set, I thought: “Oh, I’m definitely the most unfit person on this island,” because the competitors were phenomenal.’

Hosting the high-octane series alongside Channel Nine’s Ben Fordham and former cricketer Freddie Flintoff, Rebecca is used to being surrounded by testosterone.

‘It’s just part of my everyday work life,’ she says. ‘They’re my colleagues at work, whether they be men or women.’

Rebecca insists she hasn’t suffered sexism at work and says it hasn’t affected her career.

‘I guess if you make a big deal out of it then other people will as well, and it’s not a big deal,’ she asserts.