'Absolute privilege': Paul 'Fatty' Vautin announces his retirement from Channel 9 after 33-year broadcast career

Paul 'Fatty' Vautin's time in front of the camera has ended with the 65-year-old retiring from Channel 9, bringing to the end a 33-year career at the network.

Vautin's broadcast career started after his glittering rugby league career with Manly and Easts which included Queensland and Kangaroos representation.

In 1991, Vautin co-hosted a weekly sports segment on the Midday show before becoming part of The Sunday Footy Show when it made its debut in 1993.

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In September 1994, Vautin's iconic status grew when The Footy Show started on Thursday nights.

Vautin was part of a dynamic hosting duo with Peter Sterling for the majority of the show's existence with other league identities Paul 'The Chief' Harragon, Mario Fenech, Matty Johns, Darryl 'Big Marn' Brohman and Beau Ryan all partnering with 'Fatty' over time.

Speaking about his retirement, Vautin described his time at Channel 9 as "an absolute privilege".

"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," he said.

"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."

Vautin finishes his broadcast career with 11 Logie Awards for best sports entertainment program with The Footy Show. He also claimed the Logie for most popular sports presenter in 2003.

After the end of The Footy Show, Vautin was a regular fixture in the Wide World of Sports commentary box, entertaining audiences across the country with his analysis of NRL matches, State of Origins and international matches.

Nine's acting chief executive officer, Matt Stanton, said 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 said.

"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 the business."

Nine director of sport, Brent Williams, added: "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."