Russell Crowe to take the helm at Damage Control.
Update: Following its debut on Seven this week, Damage Control has been not only bumped from its timeslot, but also the channel.
The program has now been moved to Seven's new channel 7mate, and will be broadcast at 8.30pm on Sundays.
Whether this be on the back of poor ratings, or simply a lure to tempt viewers over to the new digital channel is unclear. How it fares in the ratings will be the true test!
Russell Crowe, one of Australia's most famous exports, will take a short break from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to executive produce and present a new sports series for Channel Seven.
Damage Control will document the struggles of major athletes, who suffered devastating injuries when they were at the top of their game, which resulted in years of rehabilitation before being able to return to competitive sports.
This is not the first time Russell Crowe has taken a narrative role in a television production. He previously featured in Secret Millionaire and Discovery Atlas, and will soon narrate for the stage production of Ben Hur.
Each episode of the series will follow a different sports person from their initial injury through to their period of recuperation and their ultimate return to their career.
Kicking off the new series is an episode devoted to South Sydney Rabbitohs player, Eddy Pettybourne. After shattering his jaw in a tackle, the NRL star had extensive reconstructive surgery to regain its full function. In a twist of fate, fellow Rabbitoh Dave Tyrell, who was drafted in to replace him, suffered a shattered eye socket within weeks of assuming the role.
Nevertheless, Damage Control documents the strains of these passionate sportsmen, determined to return to their beloved game.
Future episodes include the story of internationally renowned surfer Ross Clarke Jones, who suffered spinal injuries and disruptions of his motor functions after years of being pummelled by the powerful ocean, and Melbourne AFL star Lachie Hansen, who required facial reconstruction.
Our advice? Stay in front of the TV and off the sports pitch!
Damage Control premieres 10pm Wednesday, October 20 on Seven.
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