Rumours have been swirling about who could fill Kyle Sandilands’ shoes after his contract was terminated by ARN. Now, a major frontrunner for the job has lifted the lid on whether he will throw his hat in the ring.
Ben Fordham has responded to rumours that he will replace Kyle Sandilands in the now-empty KIIS FM breakfast slot after The Kyle and Jackie O Show was axed by Australian Radio Network (ARN).
The beloved radio host, who has been with 2GB since 2011 and helmed their breakfast show for over five years, reportedly has little interest in filling the radio shock jock’s shoes, however he’s not ruling out the possibility entirely.
“I highly doubt it,” the 49-year-old told news.com.au on Friday, in response to speculation that he is eyeing up the vacancy.
Ben Fordham has responded to rumours that he will replace Kyle Sandilands in the now-empty KIIS FM breakfast slot. Picture: Supplied
“You never say never in this business, but I am happy where I am.”
Both Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson have filed lawsuits against their former employer after their $200 million, 10-year contract was terminated in the wake of an on-air clash, leaving a vacant space on the prime-time airwaves.
However, Fordham isn’t the only big media name that has been thrown in the ring, with ARN reportedly reaching out to a number of A-lister Aussies and dangling opportunities to fill “several new shows”, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
One of the possible replacements is Samantha Armytage, who is reportedly being considered for the breakfast slot after insiders claim she received a call from the network.
However, while the 49-year-old was approached by ARN chief executive Michael Stephenson about a potential role, it was reported by the publication earlier this month that she has yet to have a formal sit-down with the network.
Also rumoured to have caught the eye of ARN executives is Today host Karl Stefanovic, with the network allegedly chasing the high-profile star for a spot on the airwaves, The Sydney Morning Herald adds.
Thanks to Stefanovic’s, 51, introduction to audio via his booming, eponymous podcast, The Karl Stefanovic Show, the TV star’s transition to radio would be smooth, making him a top seed for the job.
On February 20, Henderson, 51, was left in tears during a broadcast after Sandilands, 54, accused her of letting her interest in astrology affect her work ethic.
One of the possible replacements is Samantha Armytage, who is reportedly being considered for the breakfast slot after insiders claim she received a call from the network. Picture: James D. Morgan/Getty Images
Also rumoured to have caught the eye of ARN executives is Today host Karl Stefanovic, with the network allegedly chasing the high-profile star for a spot on the airwaves. Picture: Today
“It’s affecting other things, like your fixation on this has made you almost unworkable. You’re off with the fairies with this s***. It’s mental,” he raged.
Sandilands claimed that “everyone in the building” had complained about her for “not doing the rest of the job”.
“I would never say things like that about you,” Henderson hit back at Sandilands.
“It’s a total attack, it really is … to say, ‘You don’t know what the F is going on, you’re not doing your job’, that’s an attack and I wouldn’t do that.”
On February 20, Henderson was left in tears during a broadcast after Sandilands accused her of letting her interest in astrology affect her work ethic. Picture: Supplied
Following the on-air bust-up, Sandilands’ comments were dubbed “an act of serious misconduct” by the network, resulting in the radio star being suspended for fourteen days and, eventually, being axed.
Henderson’s contract was also terminated after she complained about Sandilands’ on-air behaviour, and eventually blamed ARN for failing to provide a safe workplace.
Both parties have begun legal proceedings against ARN for what they are alleging was “wrongful termination”. The network has disputed their claims.