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BY RadioToday Network June 11, 2026
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Could Kris Fade be the man who replaces Kyle?
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Kris Fade. Image: Facebook
Kris Fade’s inbox has blown up as the radio industry ponders whether the Dubai-based Aussie will be the man who replaces Kyle Sandilands.
Since moving to the Middle East almost twenty years ago the Sydneysider-turned-Virgin Radio presenter has become a household name, hosting the biggest and most listened to show in Dubai.
To give you an idea of just how famous Fade is over there – there’s a wax figure of him at Madame Tussauds.
On the Radio Today podcast, Jen Seyderhelm first revealed that during the recent Radiodays Europe summit, Fade was asked by radio consultant John Simons whether he’d been approached by ARN, following the much-publicised demise of the KIIS Network’s Kyle & Jackie O Show.
Fade’s answer? “No comment.”
“That by itself is the same as Kyle stirring the pot,” said Jen“But before Radiodays, Kris’ family moved to Sydney.”
“And, Kris Fade is currently in Sydney.”
“It might not be right away, but I think there is definitely something to see here.”
Adding fuel to the speculation, The Kris Fade Show was launched nationally across the KIIS Network in 2018, with then-ARN Content boss Duncan Campbell declaring him ‘a great radio talent and great fit for the network.’
Whilst Fade has responded to subsequent media inquiries about his future, he has neither confirmed nor denied that he’s been approached by ARN.
Images: Facebook
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BY RadioToday Network June 11, 2026
I’m not sure why anybody would be signing with ARN right now. I’d be asking for cash upfront!
Kris has a media empire and group of businesses in the UAE that are so much bigger than anything Australia could offer him.
I think he’d be a superb replacement but anyone that thinks he’d leave what he’s doing for the backwater of Sydney is delusional.
Mike E doing excellent why change after all that’s happened think he will rate well as time roll?
I would’ve thought that…um, recent events may have reduced the appeal of Dubai/the UAE a bit.
Either way, there are all sorts of weird and wonderful possibilities currently being floated around for the future of a post-Kyle & Jackie O KIIS. Indeed, probably the future of Sydney radio in general as I can’t see some lower ranked stations continuing with their current product unchanged if no significant ratings lift is received soon.
The Daily Telegraph has even reported rumours of KIIS being relaunched (right up to the station name, I’d imagine) as a talkback station to compete with 2GB! I suppose such a format could work on FM radio if done correctly, but I really think it’d have to be with fresher names/voices than those rumoured to have been in talks with Michael Stephenson.
You’d have to be an idiot join ARN you’d be gone in a month
But the Kris Fade Show disappeared a while ago from the KIIS-websites… So they axed his (syndicated) show on the network and want him later for the new morning show?
The question is not who will replace Kyle. The question is will Australian network survive? Do you have anyone who you placed Kyle?
Had K&J left on their own terms, then maybe; but why would Kris want to join a network that is in serious trouble at the moment? I’d be waiting to see how these court proceedings go before signing anything.
And given how huge he is in the UAE, I’m sure Virgin Radio are more than happy for him to do his current show from Sydney whenever he’s with his family.