Kyle Sandilands has successfully recruited Brooklyn Ross, his former KIIS FM newsreader, to join his new independent subscription show, marking a significant addition to his burgeoning team. Ross, 38, had previously stated his intention to remain with ARN, the parent company of KIIS FM, and not join Sandilands’ new venture. However, a recent video shared on Instagram shows the two reuniting as colleagues, signaling a change of heart from the newsreader.
Brooklyn Ross Joins Sandilands’ New Venture
The video captures a moment outside Sandilands’ Vaucluse mansion in Sydney, which now serves as the production hub for his upcoming show, titled ‘Kyle Sandilands Live’. Sandilands, 55, enthusiastically introduced Ross as ‘the greatest newsreader on earth’ as Ross approached. The reunion was met with palpable relief and excitement from Sandilands, who exclaimed, ‘Thank God! Thank God!’ as they embraced.
Sandilands welcomed Ross into the studio, expressing his delight at securing his former news anchor. ‘It couldn’t have worked out better,’ Sandilands remarked, with Ross joking about the tight timing before the show’s Monday 6 am launch. Sandilands assured Ross of the show’s potential to be financially rewarding, stating, ‘I will do my best to line your pockets with gold.’ The arrival of Ross was met with cheers from the assembled crew, with Sandilands announcing him as the ‘final team member’. Ross echoed the sentiment, exclaiming, ‘Oh, yes, back together.’
A Seat for Jackie O?
During a tour of the new ‘Kyle Sandilands Live’ studio, Sandilands revealed a specially prepared ‘golden throne’ intended for Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, his long-time co-host, should she decide to rejoin him. This gesture highlights the enduring professional relationship and the possibility of a reunion, even as Sandilands embarks on a new independent path.
Ross commented on the presence of the throne, expressing his hope that Henderson might indeed return. ‘You know what? I hope she’s here and that was part of my decision. I think if she comes anywhere, it would be here,’ Ross shared, suggesting that the potential for Henderson’s return played a role in his own decision to join Sandilands.
ARN’s Statement on Ross’s Departure
ARN acknowledged Brooklyn Ross’s decision to leave the company after more than a decade. A statement released by ARN read: ‘After more than a decade with ARN, Brooklyn Ross has decided to leave the business. We thank Brooklyn for his contribution over the years and wish him well for the future. Plans for our new lineup are underway and will be announced in due course.’
Ross’s Previous Stance on Joining Sandilands
Approximately six weeks prior to this announcement, Ross had directly addressed listeners on KIIS FM regarding his future and the possibility of working with Sandilands again. At the time, he stated unequivocally that he would not be joining Sandilands’ new project.
‘Since [The Kyle & Jackie O Show] ended, a lot of people have been asking me if I would go work with Kyle again because Kyle is going to do something,’ Ross had explained. ‘It’s been in the headlines lately. I haven’t really spoken either way of whether I would or whether I wouldn’t.’
He continued, ‘Kyle is making plans and I’ve spoken to him and he’s talking about this and about me today as well. So, I thought I’d just let everyone know how I feel about this. I will not be working with Kyle on his new venture. I’m going to be staying here at KIIS. I’m obviously very sad to not work with Kyle again. I really love him. And the feeling from him to me is mutual. I just wish him all the best for what he’s got next.’
A Familiar Team Assembles
Brooklyn Ross is the latest in a line of former ‘Kyle & Jackie O Show’ staff members to join Sandilands’ new endeavor. This group includes Jaimee ‘Mayo’ Blazquez, Alfie Laguzza, Josh Fox, Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, and reporter Mary Madigan. Initially, Madigan was reportedly slated to be the newsreader for ‘Kyle Sandilands Live’ following Ross’s decision to remain with KIIS FM. However, it now appears the role may be shared or redefined.
Sandilands outlined a potential new dynamic for the news segment, explaining to Ross: ‘You’re going to execute the news and then Mary is going to come in at the end of the news like a duo and bring up cultural things and we’ll all be a voice.’ This suggests a collaborative approach to news delivery on the new show, integrating Madigan’s contributions alongside Ross’s primary role.
The Future of ‘Kyle Sandilands Live’
The recruitment of Brooklyn Ross signifies a strong start for ‘Kyle Sandilands Live,’ as Sandilands aims to replicate the success of his previous radio show in an independent format. The reunion with key former colleagues underscores his strategy of building a trusted and familiar team for his new platform. As the Monday launch approaches, the addition of Ross provides a significant boost to the show’s lineup and anticipation.
The show’s move to an independent, subscription-based model also represents a new chapter for Sandilands and his team, offering a different approach to media content delivery. The inclusion of Ross, a respected newsreader, is expected to enhance the show’s credibility and appeal to a broad audience.
Listeners will be keen to see how the dynamic between Sandilands and Ross unfolds in this new context, as well as how the show integrates other former ‘Kyle & Jackie O Show’ personalities. The potential return of Jackie ‘O’ Henderson also remains a point of interest, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming launch.
