Kyle Sandilands Sets Record Straight on Show Rumours and Absence
Radio personality Kyle Sandilands has firmly dismissed widespread reports suggesting his iconic program with co-host Jackie O Henderson had abruptly concluded. The speculation arose after Sandilands was notably absent from Thursday's broadcast of The Kyle and Jackie O Show.
Addressing the Headlines Directly
Speaking during Friday's live broadcast, the 54-year-old presenter directly confronted headlines insinuating he had been removed from the airwaves. Sandilands insisted his absence was merely due to taking a sick day, emphatically stating, 'I haven't vanished, everyone.'
He elaborated on the media coverage with characteristic bluntness: 'According to the newspapers, The Kyle and Jackie O Show was over, and I vanished. It just goes to show you can never believe what you read in any of the newspapers. I feel they may have had their phones cut off; no one even rang to check.'
The Real Reason Behind His Absence
Sandilands revealed the genuine cause for his missed show was parental duty. He explained he had been awake throughout the night caring for his three-year-old son, Otto, who had been coughing persistently.
'It was a hard night [with the baby]; every time he coughed I sort of [woke up], then I had a headache,' he shared. The presenter added that hosting the program is challenging enough on a regular day, let alone after experiencing such fragmented sleep.
Reflecting on Recent On-Air Tensions
This clarification comes shortly after Sandilands expressed regret regarding a fiery on-air confrontation that left co-host Jackie O Henderson visibly upset and in tears the previous week. During that incident, an emotional Henderson stated she felt deeply offended by Sandilands' harsh comments.
On Wednesday, Sandilands admitted he wished he had handled the situation differently, acknowledging, 'I obviously upset her. Maybe, in hindsight, I shouldn't have said it on the air. But we say a lot of things on the air here.'
He continued with a tone of remorse: 'It was never meant to hurt her feelings and obviously it did. I regret hurting her feelings. No one wants to hurt someone. Especially someone you care for.'
The Astrology-Fueled Clash
The disagreement originated when Henderson attempted to discuss Prince Andrew's birth chart during an astrology segment. Sandilands criticized her, claiming this interest was becoming a distraction from their work. When Henderson defended herself, he maintained he was merely stating facts.
Personal Life Influences
Sandilands also disclosed that his wife of nearly three years, Tegan Kynaston, shared her concerns about the conflict, seemingly siding with Henderson. 'I got a bit of a blasting from my wife... She's being supportive but she's also very honest with me,' he explained.
He quoted her perspective: 'Well, from time to time, you do say things at home that don't land well either.' Sandilands conceded, 'As we all do... She's right.'
Despite the tensions, Sandilands expressed a desire for harmony, stating he wants everyone to be happy and enjoy the show, particularly emphasizing his wish for Henderson's contentment. He humorously added that he would readily replace other staff members but not his co-host.
