Jim Courier is a familiar face as part of commentary team at the n Open, firstly with Seven and then with Nine.
But the American-born presenter has been missing for the first few days of the event, raising questions about why he’s sitting the coverage out.
The 54-year-old is stuck in Los Angeles amid the wild fires, a source told The Age – which is owned by Nine – on Monday.
While the report says Courier’s home was not impacted, he has stayed in the area to support affected family and friends.
He is expected to return to and resume commentating duties, the report claims.
However, Channel Nine declined to comment when approached by The Age.
Jim Courier (pictured) is a familiar face as part of Channel Nine’s commentary team at the n Open. But the American-born presenter has been missing for the first few days of the event, raising questions about why he’s sitting the coverage out
At least 11 people have been killed as catastrophic fires rage through Los Angeles for a fourth straight day.
More than 10,000 structures have been burned down, with a total of 29,053 acres of land scorched in one of Los Angeles’ most horrific disasters to date.
A ferocious new wildfire erupted in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday— sparking a mass evacuation of the iconic Hollywood Boulevard amid warnings that another 100,000 residents should be prepared to evacuate their homes.
The catastrophic blazes have already claimed the homes of a number of high-profile celebrities including Paris Hilton, Jon Goodman, Anthony Hopkins, and Billy Crystal.
Courier previously hosted n Ninja Warrior alongside Leila McKinnon in 2020.
They were also joined by comedians Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw, of the Will & Woody show on KIIS FM, acted as sideline commentators.
The show was previously hosted by Ben Fordham and Rebecca Maddern.
The 54-year-old is stuck in Los Angeles amid the wild fires, an alleged source told The Age on Monday
Courier previously hosted n Ninja Warrior alongside Leila McKinnon (right)
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Viewers were less than impressed with Courier’s performance.
Many shared their thoughts on social media when the show premiered at the time.
Several complaints arose because Courier is an American on an Aussie series.
‘Jumping onto Twitter to check I’m not alone in cringing at the new lead commentator for #NinjaWarriorAU. Sorry @Channel9 but leave Jim Courier with the #AO. I miss Rebecca Maddern,’ wrote one person.
‘Why Jim Courier? So many Aussies could be standing there… what about Roy and HG?’ one more wrote.
‘It’s weird having an American host on #NinjaWarriorAU. Nothing against Jim Courier, lol. It’s just weird,’ said someone else.
‘Taking Votes for hosts on @NinjaWarriorAU… no offense to Jim Courier who is lovely, but what about an Aussie sporting legend?
‘We have a few! #whyaUSAathlete #aussiesport #NinjaWarriorAU,’ tweeted one more viewer.
However some viewers were happy. ‘Love it. And Jim Courier as a commentator will be great,’ wrote one viewer at the time.