Ninja Warrior is back on Channel Nine for its sixth season on Monday, June 27, at 7.30 pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
The new course is set to be the toughest ever constructed and will no doubt challenge even the fittest ninja to the test.
Season six also brings a new line-up of hosts and commentators who will share in the thrills and spills of the action-packed show.
Four-time grand slam champion tennis legend – ninja obsessed Jim Courier is no stranger to providing analysis of the gameplay as he steps into the hosting role.
Courier said: “Watching the show with my boys at home, I’ve always admired the Ninjas. But I was blown away by the pure athleticism and skill when seeing them up close. This season is going to be incredible.”
The tennis champion holds the record as the youngest male player in history to reach the final of all four Grand Slam singles tournaments – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open – climbing that mountain by age 22.
Since 2005 he has worked as a tennis commentator and broadcast host and is known for his informative on-court and post-match interviews.
Courier added: “Viewers need to expect the unexpected this season. We have a group of hungry new Ninjas and some hard-working legends not ready to give up their claim on the title just yet.”
Alongside him as co-host is A Current Affair presenter Leila McKinnon. She said: “I have serious bragging rights at the school gates now. As a big fan of Australian Ninja Warrior from the start, I can’t wait to show my kids what I’ve been working on.”
McKinnon has presented some of the world’s biggest TV events for Channel Nine over her 30-year career, including the London Olympic Games.
The presenter said of the season ahead: “Just when we thought we had seen it all, Season 6 is set to bring more twists and turns than ever.
“This year, we are excited to see Ninjas going head to head in a spectacular knockout battle that will test even the best of them,” she added.
One of Australia’s favourite radio duos is taking over the commentator role, KIIS 1065’s Will and Woody – Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw.
“Watching the Ninjas do their thing up close is like nothing we’ve ever seen. We are in absolute awe of their pure athleticism – and that really makes us want to head back into the gym,” they said.
“Don’t underestimate the new teens joining in. They have been sitting idly by, watching and learning since they were little kids, and you better believe they were taking notes and training up a storm,” Will and Woody added.
Back to prove their strength, speed and determination on the course are the legends of the course, including the likes of Zak Stolz, Ashlin Herbert, Ben Polson, Olivia Vivian and Fred Dorrington.
Meanwhile, a new crop of fast and fearless young guns – athletes aged 16 and 17 – are joining the course for the first time, ready to show the world what they’re made of, to beat the legends at their own game and make it to the top of Mt Midoriyama.
The competitor who goes furthest on the Grand Final course in the fastest time will be declared the Season 6 winner and take home $100,000. However, conquering Mt Midoriyama in the quickest time will earn the winner an additional $100,000, for total prize money of $200,000 and the official title of Australia’s Ninja Warrior.
This season will also see ten Australian celebrities tackle the world’s toughest obstacle course for charity to win bragging rights and $10,000 for their chosen charity.
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Top image: Left to right: Jim Courier, Leila McKinnon, Will McMahon and Woody Whitelaw