Behind Derryn Hinch’s concocted feud with Bert Newton
A radio rivalry between Derryn Hinch and Bert Newton sparked a feud which saw the insults fly. But how do the two showbiz legends really feel about each other?
Entertainment
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DERRYN Hinch has reflected on his concocted feud with showbiz king Bert Newton.
In an interview for the Sacked Showbiz podcast, Hinch said: “It probably started when I came to Melbourne and I’d been told by (the late chef and TV personality) Bernard King, whatever you do, don’t attack Bert Newton because he’s God in Melbourne.
“So the first thing I said in my interview with the Sunday Press was, ‘Bert Newton is a myth invented by the Reader’s Digest.’ And then the fight was on.”
Hinch and Newton worked on rival radio stations, and Derryn knew he’d get headlines by antagonising Bert.
“It worked well because he was No. 1 (on radio), and I was No. 8, and the newspapers didn’t talk about 3,4,5 or 6. He and I would insult each other in the news pages.”
Hinch and Newton eventually crossed paths, and Bert asked why Derryn was so hostile?
“I said, ‘Bert, you’re in the business of creating illusions, I’m in the business of destroying them.’”
Later, Hinch worked as contributor on a TV show hosted by Newton. In one episode, Hinch stormed off the set because the featured guest was Divine, (the late US actor and drag queen) who shot to infamy in the cult film, Pink Flamingos.
Hinch says Newton told him: “Well, Derryn, it’s my show, not yours.”
“It is indeed, and I don’t have to be on it,” Hinch replied.
Hinch said he and Newton “got on quite well” and “Bert always adored (Hinch’s ex wife) Jacki Weaver.”
Hinch added: “If we were ever at a function and the four of us were there, it was a sort of a cushion.”
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