Kyle Sandilands has told listeners on The GameChangers podcast he does not believe his split with Jackie ‘O’ Henderson changed her feelings toward him, using a bonus question-and-answer episode of the show to address the breakdown of their partnership for the first time.
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“I don’t think she hates me. I don’t think that that is the case,” he said.
Asked what had changed between the release of Henderson’s book – in which she wrote of loving him “unconditionally, including even more for your perceived flaws” – and the eventual collapse of their on-air partnership, Sandilands said he believed Henderson had been deeply conflicted.
“I really do believe that she may have emotionally decided this sort of a show was not for her anymore, but was very torn, and that’s why we may not have communicated about it, because it was too big a deal,” he said.
Sandilands continued: And then when I said ‘you’re not paying attention’ or whatever I said, that hit a nerve, and that was just too hard for her to handle.”
Sandilands also cast doubt on the weight of legal proceedings between the two, suggesting the filings may not reflect their private dynamic.
“Regardless of the evidence you’ve read in the court, I feel that may be a legal strategy,” he said. “She’ll always have my love and respect.”
Kyle Sandilands in his new studios. Image: GameChangers Instagram
No Brooklyn, no Jackie
Sandilands confirmed the new venture will not include former Kyle and Jackie O Show newsreader Brooklyn Ross, saying the decision came down to practical realities rather than any personal falling out.
“For me to pay and for him to accept – like expect him to stand down and come on my journey – I love him, but no Brooklyn,” Sandilands said. “No Brooklyn, no Jackie.”
He said other members of the existing ensemble cast had been retained and remained employed, while the new show would introduce a younger female news presenter.
“Just a younger female that is active and wants to give it a good crack,” he said.
A September launch was floated as a possibility, though the panel suggested early next year remained on the table if more time was needed to stress-test the platform.