Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson are reportedly in ‘peace talks’ to get their radio show back on the air, with some insiders shaking their heads over the reunion.
For almost three decades, Jackie, 51, has stood firmly beside her controversial radio co-host Kyle, 54, despite the slew of backlash he has received over the years.
But behind the scenes, insiders claim the beloved broadcaster often found herself quietly defending his behaviour to those closest to her – including her ex-husband.
Sources say Jackie frequently reassured friends, family, and ex Lee Henderson, that Kyle’s notorious on-air persona did not reflect the man she knew off the microphone.
‘Jackie has always understood Kyle better than most people,’ one insider tells Daily Mail.
‘She would often explain that what listeners hear on the radio is entertainment. She always felt people misunderstood him.’
For almost three decades, Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, 51, has stood firmly beside her controversial radio co-host Kyle Sandilands, 54, despite the slew of backlash he has received over the years
The pair have fronted The Kyle & Jackie O Show for 27 years, building one of the most powerful partnerships in Australian media.
Their chemistry helped transform the breakfast program into a ratings juggernaut and a multimillion-dollar brand.
However, the show’s outspoken and often controversial style has regularly sparked backlash over the years.
According to sources, that sometimes placed Jackie in the difficult position of balancing loyalty to her co-host with concerns raised in her personal life.
‘There were moments when friends and family would question some of the things Kyle said on air. And Jackie would find herself defending him,’ the insider explains.
Jackie shares her daughter Kitty with ex-husband Lee, 52, and those close to the star say her family has always remained her top priority.
‘She’s very mindful of how public controversies can affect her personal life,’ the source says.
‘So when people raised concerns about Kyle’s behaviour, Jackie would often try to explain the context.’
But behind the scenes, insiders claim the beloved broadcaster often found herself quietly defending his behaviour to those closest to her – including her ex-husband Lee Henderson, 52
Despite the criticism that has occasionally surrounded the show, Jackie has long spoken openly about the deep friendship she shares with her co-host.
Over the years, she has credited Kyle with supporting her through some of the toughest periods of her life.
Now, with renewed attention on Kyle and speculation surrounding the future of the breakfast program, the famous radio partnership is once again under intense scrutiny.
But insiders say one thing has always remained constant.
‘Jackie has always been incredibly loyal,’ the source adds. ‘For a long time, she truly believed in Kyle and the show they built together.’
It certainly seems that nothing can tear the pair apart, as they have now reportedly reunited and are working together to get their Sydney breakfast program back on air.
The long-time colleagues are said to be back in ‘regular contact’ amid speculation they both want to return to The Kyle & Jackie O Show.
According to news.com.au, Jackie reached out to Kyle last week amid reports he was feeling ‘betrayed’ by their employers, ARN, after their on-air fight led to his suspension and her contract being terminated.
Sources say Jackie frequently reassured friends, family, and ex Lee, that Kyle’s notorious on-air persona did not reflect the man she knew off the microphone
After connecting, both Kyle and Jackie apparently realised ARN had told them separately that both parties didn’t want to be contacted by the other.
‘They both realised, like, “Why aren’t we allowed to talk to each other?”‘ a source said.
The publication also claims the meeting came before Jackie’s recent statement, in which she announced she had not quit or resigned from the radio show.
Kyle apparently blames ARN for ‘exploiting a very emotional Jackie’, with the insider saying Kyle and Jackie both feel they have been ‘f**ked over’ by their employer.
Daily Mail has reached out to Jackie and Lee for comment.Â