Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small Steps In as Jackie ‘O’ Quits KIIS FM Show

Radio host Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small expressed his disbelief on March 3, 2026, as he took over hosting duties for The Kyle and Jackie ‘O’ Show, which was abruptly taken off air following the sensational departure of Jackie ‘O’ Henderson. The popular breakfast program on KIIS FM faced a dramatic shift after Henderson’s resignation, which came in the wake of an intense on-air dispute with co-host Kyle Sandilands.

Smallzy began his morning broadcast by acknowledging the significant changes at KIIS FM, stating, “We are waking up to a very different KIIS.” He described the day as one of the most extraordinary in his radio career, admitting he was “shocked” and “reeling” from the news of Henderson’s exit. Reflecting on his history with the show, he recalled his early days in radio and the kindness he experienced from both Henderson and Sandilands.

The turmoil began when Henderson, 51, informed executives at ARN that she could no longer work with Sandilands, 54, after he made comments during a broadcast that left her in tears. According to ARN, Henderson’s $100 million contract was terminated as a result of these events. The company cited Sandilands’ on-air behavior during the February 20 episode as “an act of serious misconduct,” leading to his suspension and a two-week period to address the breach or face termination of his contract.

The fallout from the dispute saw Henderson missing from the show since February 20, after an emotional altercation where Sandilands criticized her focus during a discussion about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Henderson’s attempt to defend herself during the segment escalated the tension, resulting in her taking a leave of absence. Initially expected to return on March 2, her comeback was delayed further.

In a statement, ARN confirmed Henderson’s departure and suggested an alternative show on their network. Many industry insiders had speculated that the friction between the long-time co-hosts was indicative of deeper issues, with entertainment journalist Peter Ford asserting that Henderson felt compelled to take a stand against workplace disrespect.

Smallzy also addressed the situation, highlighting the profound impact the show’s cancellation has had on listeners and the radio community. He emphasized the significance of Henderson and Sandilands’ partnership, which has spanned nearly three decades. Craig Bruce, a former program director at 2DayFM, indicated that the split had been on the horizon, reflecting on the challenges of a lengthy collaboration.

In the wake of the controversy, Sandilands expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging that his remarks had upset Henderson. He stated, “In hindsight, I shouldn’t have said it on the air. It was never meant to hurt her feelings.” Despite the turmoil, he maintained that the show would continue, although he has been absent pending further developments.

As the future of The Kyle and Jackie ‘O’ Show hangs in the balance, the radio landscape in Australia faces a significant transformation. The impact of these changes on both hosts and their audience remains to be seen as the industry processes the fallout from this high-profile departure.

ARN’s formal statement regarding the termination of Henderson’s contract underscores the seriousness of the situation and the company’s commitment to maintaining professional standards within its programming. The next steps for both Henderson and Sandilands will be closely monitored by fans and industry observers alike.