Radio personality Kyle Sandilands has indicated that legal issues are involved after successfully recruiting former KIIS FM newsreader Brooklyn Ross for his new independent subscription show. Ross, who had previously stated he would not join Sandilands' new venture, announced a reversal of this decision on Friday.
Sandilands shared a video on Instagram on Saturday, alluding to ongoing "legalities" surrounding Ross's move. "It's a bit dicey behind the scenes, just quietly," Sandilands said in the clip. "There's a few phone calls, a few legalities. But last night I spoke to him and he was in the middle of gay heaven somewhere. Dancing."
Ross, 38, was introduced by Sandilands, 55, as "the greatest newsreader on earth" outside Sandilands' Sydney headquarters for the new show. Upon their reunion, Sandilands exclaimed, "Thank God! Thank God!" as they embraced.
Ross acknowledged the tight timing, joking, "We cut it fine, didn't we?" as the new show, Kyle Sandilands Live, is set to premiere Monday at 6 a.m. Sandilands assured Ross, "It couldn't have worked out better. Do you feel relieved? I will do my best to line your pockets with gold."
Ross will join several former staff members from "The Kyle & Jackie O Show," including Jaimee 'Mayo' Blazquez, Alfie Laguzza, Josh Fox, Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, and reporter Mary Madigan. Madigan was initially slated to be the newsreader for "Kyle Sandilands Live," but it now appears she and Ross will share the role. Sandilands explained that Ross would handle the news delivery, with Madigan joining at the end to discuss cultural topics.
ARN released a statement confirming Ross's departure: "After more than a decade with ARN, Brooklyn Ross has decided to leave the business. 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."
This move follows Ross's earlier statements on KIIS FM approximately six weeks prior, where he explicitly stated his intention to remain with ARN and not join Sandilands' new project. "I will not be working with Kyle on his new venture. I'm going to be staying here at KIIS," Ross had said. "I just wish him all the best for what he's got next."