The real reason Jim Courier is missing from Nine’s commentary team at the Australian Open
Jim Courier is a familiar face as part of Channel Nine’s commentary team at the Australian Open.
But the American-born presenter went missing for the first few days of the event, raising questions about why he sat out the coverage.
The 54-year-old is stuck in Los Angeles amid the wildfires, an alleged source said The era on Monday.
Although the report claims Courier’s home was not affected, he has remained in the area to support affected family and friends.
He is expected to return to Australia and resume his commentary duties, the report claims.
However, Channel Nine declined to comment when contacted by The Age.
Jim Courier (pictured) is a familiar face as part of Channel Nine’s commentary team at the Australian Open. But the American-born presenter went missing for the first few days of the event, raising questions about why he is sitting out the coverage
At least 11 people have died as catastrophic fires ripped through Los Angeles for the fourth day in a row.
More than 10,000 structures have burned to the ground, with a total of 29,053 hectares of land scorched in one of Los Angeles’ most horrific disasters to date.
A fierce new wildfire broke out in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, prompting a mass evacuation of the iconic Hollywood Boulevard amid warnings that another 100,000 residents should be prepared to evacuate their homes.
The catastrophic fires have already claimed the homes of a number of high-profile celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Jon Goodman, Anthony Hopkins and Billy Crystal.
Courier co-hosted the Australian Ninja Warrior with Leila McKinnon in 2020.
They were also joined by comedians Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw, from the Will & Woody show on KIIS FM, who acted as side commentators.
The show was previously presented by Ben Fordham and Rebecca Maddern.
The 54-year-old is stuck in Los Angeles amid the wildfires, a supposed source told The Age on Monday
Courier previously hosted Australian Ninja Warrior alongside Leila McKinnon (right)
Viewers were not very 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 in an Australian series.
“I’m hopping on Twitter to see if I’m not the only one cringing at the new lead commentator for #NinjaWarriorAU. Sorry @Channel9, but leave Jim Courier with the #AO. I miss Rebecca Maddern,” one person wrote.
‘Why Jim Koerier? There could be so many Aussies there… what about Roy and HG?’ wrote another.
“It’s weird to have an American host on #NinjaWarriorAU. Nothing against Jim Courier, lol. It’s just weird,” someone else said.
‘Votes for hosts on @NinjaWarriorAU…no offense to Jim Courier who’s nice, but what about an Australian sporting legend?
‘We have some! #whyaUSAathlete #aussiesport #NinjaWarriorAU,” another viewer tweeted.
However, some viewers were happy. ‘I love it. And Jim Courier will be great as a commentator,” one viewer wrote at the time.