- Paul Vautin announced his retirement from Channel 9
- Ben Ikin says there is a different side to the television comedian
- He says there’s a difference between ‘Paul’ and ‘Fatty’
Queensland Rugby League boss Ben Ikin has spoken out about the real Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin, following the NRL cult hero’s shock decision to quit his television career.
Vautin, one of Australian television’s most beloved personalities, announced his retirement from television last weekend, ending an unforgettable 33-year television career on Channel 9.
Vautin was known for his charm, warmth and sense of humor, but not many realized how intelligent the larrikin commentator was.
NRL supremo Phil Gould noted in a tribute to Vautin that “it takes a smart man to play dumb”, and it’s something Ikin also wanted to talk about.
“I’m very pleased that Gus (Gould) made those comments because he’s one of the biggest brains in our game, talking about Fatty’s intelligence,” Ikin told SEN radio on Wednesday.
“To do what he did for so long and the way he did it, it takes a big brain to play dumb.”
Ben Ikin (pictured) has lifted the lid on the Paul Vautin that fans can’t see
‘Fatty’ announced his retirement from television this weekend, ending a 33-year television career on Channel 9
“But the guy I’ve known privately for the last 30 years is very cultured and has a very deep insight into the game.
‘And even though we see more of ‘Fatty’ than Paul, the friend I’ve come to know has given me great advice. If I’m worried about something or need a solution to a problem, Fatty is one of the people I would call.’
Football fans had hoped the Larrikin commentator could continue working in other media after his shock announcement at the weekend, but Vautin has now ruled it out.
‘I will never work again. I’ve finished now. “I’m not looking for a job,” the Manly big man told SEN radio on Tuesday.
‘I don’t want to do anything. No radio, no podcasts. I don’t want to do anything. I’m happy.’
Vautin, who lives on the Gold Coast, says he feels very happy just spending time at home relaxing.
“I can spend a whole day alone and be happy with myself,” he said.
‘Sometimes I read, go for a walk or mow the lawn. I’m very happy in my own company.’
Vautin was the face of popular sports talk show The Footy Show for 24 years.
Vautin was the face of popular sports talk show The Footy Show for the best part of 24 years before being unceremoniously fired in 2017 after ratings declined.
He revealed the exact moment he knew it was time to quit his job.
‘Something changed this year. I’d be driving in three hours of traffic on a Friday afternoon and I’d be like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing?’ said.
“In the end I felt like I’d rather be at home watching football on a Friday night than working on it.
“I still love the game immensely, but I thought, ‘You know what I think I’m done with?'”
“There was one particular moment when the Brisbane Broncos were playing the Roosters on a Friday night at Suncorp and look, it was a pretty good game, I was commentating with Joey and we were having a good time.
“Then, 20 minutes into the second half, I was looking at the field and said, ‘Oh my God, I’m so bored.’
“I drove home thinking wow, that had never happened before and I knew it was the beginning of the end.”