Sophie Monk emerges as the top choice to fill the void left by The Kyle & Jackie O Show on KIIS FM Sydney, but insiders reveal she has turned down the network’s advances multiple times amid ARN’s ongoing legal disputes with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson.
An insider discloses that the 46-year-old TV star has received three offers from ARN since the termination of Sandilands’ and Henderson’s contracts. However, Monk shows no interest in the breakfast slot. “She has shut them down and has no interest,” the source states. “She has done breakfast before, and it didn’t work out because she didn’t love who she was teamed up with.”
Challenges from Monk’s Previous Radio Stint
Monk’s prior radio venture in 2014 proved challenging. She stepped in after Sandilands and Henderson departed 2Day FM for ARN, teaming up with Merrick Watts and Jules Lund. The show struggled with ratings, deterring her from committing to another full-time breakfast role without an ideal co-host.
“What she is keeping in mind is how difficult breakfast hours are and when it starts getting cold, and the ratings are going down,” the insider adds. “It could negatively impact her ability to earn outside of radio. If you have a stench of failure on you, it can impact other work.”
ARN Scrambles for Replacement Talent
With the powerhouse ratings of The Kyle & Jackie O Show now gone, ARN urgently seeks new hosts. Mike Etheridge currently fills the slot solo, while Ben Fordham, Carrie Bickmore, and Karl Stefanovic rank among potential candidates. Monk’s strong ties to ARN and friendships with Sandilands and Henderson positioned her as a frontrunner, bolstered by fans eager to see her pair with Sandilands.
Timeline of the Kyle & Jackie O Split
Henderson’s dramatic on-air departure from KIIS FM on February 20 marked the unraveling of Australia’s iconic radio duo. Following a heated broadcast argument, she informed ARN she could no longer work with Sandilands. The network terminated her contract and later ended Sandilands’ deal after his suspension.
Financial and Legal Repercussions for ARN
ARN faces severe fallout, with its market value dropping to between $100 million and $110 million by late March 2026, after briefly falling to $98.5 million. Sandilands pursues a lawsuit worth up to $85 million, while Henderson claims adverse action and breach of contract.
