I’D HAVE NO CHANCE!

Australian Ninja Warrior host Rebecca Maddern

If Rebecca Maddern had to put her money behind herself completing one of the almost impossible obstacles on the Australian Ninja Warrior course, it would be The Quintuple Steps.

“I think I could maybe do the first obstacle… but as soon as you get to the upper body strength I’m done!” laughs the co-host of Nine’s hotly anticipated new show.

A huge hit overseas, Ninja Warrior sees 250 people – from ordinary mums and dads to professional athletes and even celebrities (including Tim Robards and Beau Ryan) vie to complete the holy grail of obstacle courses.

It isn’t easy. Only six contestants during the show’s 20-year run have completed the course and the final challenge – Mt Midoriyama.

Rebecca reveals she and fellow host Ben Fordham, and sideline commentator Freddie Flintoff, gamely asked if they could try out the course first, but admits they were relieved when the experts said no.

“We were really glad when we asked if we could have a go and they said no, because it saved us a lot of embarrassment!” says Bec, adding it hasn’t inspired her to challenge her fitness. “I’m quite happy with my Pilates and my feet on the ground, thank you very much.”

Still, Bec says she’s been blown away by the competitors’ stories on the show.

“They are phenomenal athletes and coupled with that not everyone has had an easy ride to this point. The trials and tribulations they had to overcome to compete are really inspiring.”