Allison Langdon praised for empathetic act on A Current Affair debut

On her debut outing as host of A Current Affair, Allison Langdon has been praised for handling a difficult moment that might have thrown others.

Broadcaster Allison Langdon has won plaudits from viewers on her debut as the host of A Current Affair after she touchingly dealt with a heartbreaking story about domestic violence that saw the woman she was interviewing so overcome with emotion she had to step away from the cameras.

Viewers called it a “stellar job” and a “fantastic interview” on an important issue.

Former Today host Langdon has taken the reins at ACA after Tracy Grimshaw stepped down last year after 17 years.

On her first episode, Langdon said she was “privileged” to be taking on the prime-time role before introducing a segment on Kimbarlie O’Reilly.

Ms O’Reilly was abused by her ex-boyfriend Jake Frecker who was sent to prison but has now been released from jail after serving four years of a six-year sentence.

Allison Langdon’s first segment presenting A Current Affair tackled the issue of domestic violence. Picture: Channel 9

“A thousand different things go through my head about the next few years and what’s going to happen. Like, how long do I have left to live,” Ms O’Reilly told a visibly stunned Langdon about the depth of her fear of what her ex might be capable of.

Ms O’Reilly met Frecker, a country footballer who played for Victoria’s Dimboola Football Club, in 2018.

Initially smitten, things then went downhill, she told Langdon.

Kimbarlie O'Reilly was visibly emotional discussing her trauma. Picture: Channel 9.

“He would lock me in the garage and I wouldn’t get out until 7am the next morning,” she said.

Frecker would also lock her outside the house.

In 2019, Frecker viciously attacked Ms O’Reilly, punching her in the face, eye, and jaw – breaking her eye socket and cracking several teeth.

Hearing Frecker’s screaming, neighbours called police who arrived to investigate, but Frecker told them Ms O’Reilly’s injuries were the result of a fall.

“He threatened me and said ‘tell (the police) that you fell over’. But the police came in and could clearly see that I hadn’t.”

Frecker subsequently pleaded guilty to assaulting two former partners including Ms O’Reilly. He was sentenced to six years in prison but released on parole early on January 17, coincidentally four years to the day of the vicious beating.

Kimbarlie O'Reilly and Jake Frecker. Picture: Supplied

The he viciously beat her. Picture: Channel 9

One question that affected DV survivor

“I’m still struggling every day. I have panic attacks; I have nightmares; I don’t sleep; I have anxiety and PTSD and I didn’t have any of this before,” Ms O’Reilly told Langdon.

“He’ll be angry at me for what’s happened and it’ll be my fault still. And he won’t be satisfied until he gets his revenge.”

Very solid debut by Ally Langdon as host of @ACurrentAffair9 and such an important story to tell about domestic violence in Australia. To have a mainstream show like ACA cover this is so important.

— Luke Dennehy (@LukeDennehy) January 30, 2023

What a debut for Ally Langdon on @ACurrentAffair9 tonight. Leading with the issue of domestic violence & giving it the spotlight it needs.

More to come tomorrow night too…. If this is the direction she is taking the show, I reckon I might watch more often. https://t.co/cxUjJySA6a

— á—·á—´á‘• (@NewyBeachBum) January 30, 2023

Then, a single short question from Langdon proved too much for Ms O’Reilly.

“Do you feel safe right now?” the host asked.

“No. Not at all. Not at all. Sorry,” said Ms O’Reilly, welling up.

Langdon then comforted Ms O’Reilly. “Don’t apologise. This is really hard to talk about,” she said.

Ms O’Reilly become visibly distressed with Langdon inviting her to take a moment. Picture: Channel 9

Allison Langdon received praised for how she comforted Ms O’Reilly. Picture: Channel 9

“Do you need a moment?” said Langdon, leaning into Ms O’Reilly and helping her off the set.

“You’re strong; you’re brave, and you’re a fighter,” said Langdon when Ms O’Reilly returned.

“Yeah, I’m definitely my parents’ daughter,” replied Ms O’Reilly.

“As hard as it is, I’m never gonna stop. I have this responsibility to talk, to be loud, and shine a light on the injustice on women.”

Ms O’Reilly is calling for the courts to give greater weight to the survivors of domestic violence when parole hearings are being discussed.

“I want them to see what I suffer on a day-to-day basis over him being released into the community”.

Allison Langdon replaced Tracy Grimshaw as host of ACA. Picture: Channel 9

Plaudits for Langdon

On the show’s Facebook page the plaudits for Langdon were numerous.

“Stellar Job tonight Ally,” said one.

“Ally was 100 per cent the right choice,” commented a viewer.

“Fantastic interview Ally – welcome to A Current Affair,” said another.

“’If this is the direction she is taking the show, I reckon I might watch more often.”