Ray Hadley, 63, dating ‘fantastic’ younger PA after marriage split

Ray Hadley has confirmed he’s dating his younger personal assistant, who he’s worked with for 16 years, as he officially moves on from his highly publicised marriage breakdown. 

The 2GB radio host, 63, confirmed to the Daily Telegraph he began dating Sophie Baird six months ago, a year after her own marriage ended. It comes more than four years after he officially ended his marriage to ex-wife, Suzanne.

The former couple first split up in 2011, before reconciling for a few years and then ending their marriage for the final time in 2014.

Speaking about his new relationship with Baird, who is said to be aged in her 40s, Hadley described her as “fantastic” and told the publication: “We have been going out since January. We’ve been keeping it very quiet out of ­respect for her family.”

They reportedly stepped out together to celebrate Hadley’s youngest daughter Sarah’s 21st birthday over the weekend, and friends told the publication he is “captivated” by her – and has “harboured a crush” on her for some time.

Read more: Child sex abuse case leaves emotional Ray Hadley struggling to speak

Hadley was married to his ex-wife Suzanne from 1994 to 2014. Suzanne reportedly went on to file an AVO against him following an alleged domestic dispute, however it was later withdrawn.

According to multiple news outlets, lawyers for the couple said at the time: “Ray and Suzanne Hadley after 20 years of marriage are going through a difficult time.

“The media reports have been very distressing for members of Ray’s and Suzanne’s family. Suzanne has been particularly upset as, at the time Suzanne spoke to police, she sought and was given an assurance that the matter would be treated confidentially.

“While the Hadleys do not know how the information came to the media’s attention, they are very disappointed that their privacy has not been respected.”

Suzanne went on to date Matt Parish, assistant coach of the NSW 2014 State of Origin team, but their relationship later broke down. Meanwhile, Hadley has been celebrating recently as he welcomed his first grandchild, baby Ava, the child of his daughter Laura from his first marriage.

It comes after Hadley revealed his softer side in an unusually personal interview with The Australian last year.

Read more: Radio hard-man Ray Hadley reveals the heavy personal cost of fame

The radio star, who regularly skewers politicians on his morning show on 2GB, addressed his guilt over being an absent father, his health worries and his “acrimonious bust-up” – his words – with his ex-wife.

Hadley told the newspaper in an exclusive interview that he still felt bad about the many Christmas mornings he missed with his children in favour of working. Instead, he said he’d ring them up on air and talk to them about what Santa had brought them.

“But talking to them on the radio’s not being there to help them put their bikes together or watch them play with their dolls or their skateboards,” he admitted.

The father-of-four said at the time that he wasn’t on speaking terms with his ex-wife. It’s unclear if they are now.

“I don’t talk to her,” he told The Australian. “I paid her out [for the family home] and she went off with someone else, who she sub­sequently busted up with.”

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