Abbie Chatfield ‘misses out on KIIS FM gig’ after she was considered likely replacement for Kyle and Jackie O
Abbie Chatfield won’t be taking over the plum breakfast radio gig left open by the cancellation of The Kyle and Jackie O Show, according to a new report.
The outspoken podcaster has been filling in after the departure of Kyle Sandilands and Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, and will continue to do so for another week.
However, the 30-year-old won’t permanently join the station, The Daily Telegraph claimed on Sunday.
The publication alleged that the ‘Australian Radio Network (ARN) Board refuses to back the controversial podcaster for the coveted KIIS FM breakfast gig.’
Chatfield’s headline-grabbing career may have factored into the decision, including her recent high-profile defamation lawsuit, the report claims.
She has reportedly been forced to pay Harrison Boon a ‘five-figure’ sum following the Married At First Sight star’s defamation claim.
In October, the MAFS veteran, 35, launched a GoFundMe to bankroll his legal costs, accusing Abbie of spreading ‘constant lies, slander and bullying’ that he claims cost him business and tarnished his name.
On Wednesday night, Abbie shared a statement to social media apologising for her actions towards Harrison.
However, it seems there was more than just an apology demanded of Abbie, with an insider telling Daily Mail that there was a financial element to the settlement as well.
The source claimed that Harrison had initially demanded $80,000, adding that the reality star ‘didn’t get anywhere near that.’
Instead, the insider said that the sum was more likely to be ‘somewhere around $10,000.’
Daily Mail has reached out to Abbie Chatfield for comment.
Last Monday, Abbie was welcomed into the KIIS family with open arms.
She was embraced on set by Pete Deppeler, nicknamed Intern Pete, a producer, reporter and occasional on-air talent who worked with Sandilands and Henderson for years.
In photos and video shared on Instagram, Abbie and Pete cuddled and laughed together during a segment.
Abbie proved that she fit right in with the talent and staff at the radio network, which has in recent months been embroiled in controversy after the departure of Kyle and Jackie.
Abbie previously expressed her excitement about her new role in a statement.
‘I’m so excited to jump in with the KIIS Breakfast crew for the week. Breakfast radio is fast, fun, and full-on in the best way, so I think I’ll be a perfect fit! I can’t wait to get on air,’ she said.
The social media star walked away from her own radio career back in 2023, when she quit Hot Nights with Abbie Chatfield on the Hit Network.
Meanwhile, KIIS FM has remained tight-lipped about potential replacement plans amid its ongoing legal battle over unfair dismissal claims by Kyle and Jackie.
However, sources told news.com.au that talks with prospective replacements are already ‘well underway’.
