2GB host Ray Hadley confirms he’s in a relationship with his personal assistant Sophie Baird

FIVE years after separating from his wife, radio commentator Ray Hadley has found love with the dedicated PA who has been at his side for the past 16 years. The 2GB radio host confirmed the relationship began a year after his marriage ended.

FIVE years after separating from his wife, radio commentator Ray Hadley has found love with the dedicated PA who has been at his side for the past 16 years.

Hadley yesterday confirmed he is in a new relationship with Sophie Baird, the assistant who “knows his shortcomings better than most” and has been keeping his professional house in order for the better part of two decades.

The couple began their relationship six months ago, a year after Baird’s marriage ended, the radio host confirmed.

2GB radio host Ray Hadley has confirmed he’s in a relationship with his personal assistant Sophie Baird. Picture: Supplied

Hadley, who separated from second wife Suzanne for the first time in 2011 and, after a period of reconciliation, again in January 2014, yesterday ­described mother-of-two Baird as a “fantastic” person.

“We have been going out since January. We’ve been keeping it very quiet out of ­respect for her family,” the 2GB mornings host told The Sunday Telegraph.

According to close sources, Hadley has “harboured a crush” on Baird for a while.

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His feelings came on quickly for Baird after the end of his marriage to Suzanne 18 months ago. Picture: Supplied

“They have been going out to dinner with groups of friends but no one was fooled. It was clear he was captivated,” one said last week, adding he bel­ieved Hadley’s feelings for Baird came on quickly after her marriage ended 18 months ago.

The 40-something personal assistant played a key role in keeping Hadley’s professional life on the rails following his marriage breakdown and during his much-publicised battle over unpaid taxation with a Sydney sports administrator.

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He described the mother of two as a “fantastic person”. Picture: Facebook

Sources say Hadley “harboured a crush” on Baird for a while. Picture: Supplied

A friend of the couple des­cribed the match as a “good solid friendship”.

“She knows his shortcomings better than most and knows where all the bodies are buried,” he said.

The couple last night stepped out together to celebrate the 21st birthday of Hadley’s youngest daughter Sarah at a private party on the north shore.

A source added Hadley had noticeably softened both on air and off since the birth, 11 weeks ago, of his first grandchild, baby Ava — the child of his daughter Laura from his first marriage.