Veteran newsreader Brooklyn Ross has officially joined Kyle Sandilands’ new independent subscription show, reuniting with the radio host after previously stating he would remain with his current employer. The move marks a significant recruitment for Sandilands’ burgeoning venture, which is assembling a team of former colleagues from ‘The Kyle & Jackie O Show’.
Brooklyn Ross’s U-Turn on Joining Sandilands
Ross, 38, had initially assured listeners of KIIS FM that he would not be leaving ARN to join Sandilands’ new project. However, a recent video shared on Instagram captured the moment Sandilands, 55, welcomed Ross to his new role. The footage showed the pair embracing outside Sandilands’ Vaucluse mansion in Sydney, which now serves as the production hub for his independent show.
‘The greatest newsreader on earth, Brooklyn Ross,’ Sandilands announced as Ross approached. Overcome with emotion, Sandilands exclaimed, ‘Thank God! Thank God!’
The reunion was met with cheers from the assembled crew as Sandilands led Ross into the studio. ‘We cut it fine, didn’t we?’ Ross quipped, acknowledging the tight timeline as Sandilands’ new show, ‘Kyle Sandilands Live’, is set to launch on Monday at 6 am.
‘It couldn’t have worked out better,’ Sandilands responded, expressing his relief and promising to ensure Ross’s financial success. ‘Do you feel relieved? I will do my best to line your pockets with gold.’
A Familiar Team Reassembles
Ross’s decision to join Sandilands’ new venture follows a string of other former ‘Kyle & Jackie O Show’ staffers who have signed on. These include Jaimee ‘Mayo’ Blazquez, Alfie Laguzza, Josh Fox, Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, and reporter Mary Madigan. Madigan was initially considered for the newsreading role before Ross’s change of heart.
Sandilands outlined the new dynamic for the news segment, explaining to Ross how the roles would now be shared. ‘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,’ Sandilands explained.
The Jackie ‘O’ Henderson Factor
During a tour of the new studio setup, Sandilands revealed a special ‘golden throne’ he had prepared. This seat was designated for his former co-host, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, should she decide to rejoin him. Ross expressed his hope that Henderson might also make a return, suggesting it played a part in his own decision.
‘And as promised, there’s always a seat for Jackie,’ Sandilands told Ross, gesturing towards the throne. Ross responded, ‘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.’
ARN’s Statement on Ross’s Departure
ARN, the parent company of KIIS FM, released a statement acknowledging Ross’s departure after more than a decade with the company. ‘After more than a decade with ARN, Brooklyn Ross has decided to leave the business,’ the statement read. ‘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.’
Previous Stance on Leaving KIIS FM
Approximately six weeks prior to this announcement, Ross had directly addressed the speculation on-air. He told KIIS FM listeners that he had no plans to leave ARN to join Sandilands’ new endeavor. At the time, he stated:
- ‘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.’
- ‘It’s been in the headlines lately. I haven’t really spoken either way of whether I would or whether I wouldn’t.’
- ‘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.’
Despite his earlier assurances, Ross’s eventual decision to join Sandilands highlights the evolving landscape of radio and the strong professional bonds formed during their time together on ‘The Kyle & Jackie O Show’. The recruitment of Ross signals a significant boost for Sandilands’ independent show as it prepares for its launch.
