Charlotte Foster
TV

Viewers respond to Allison Langdon's big debut

Allison Langdon has been praised following her debut in the A Current Affair hosting chair, after a moving display of empathy towards a survivor of domestic abuse.

In Ally’s debut interview, she sat down with Kimbarlie O’Reilly, who was abused by her ex-boyfriend Jake Frecker, who has just been released from jail after serving four years of a six year sentence.

“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 Langdon about the depth of her fear of what her ex might be capable of.

Ms O’Reilly then detailed the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-partner, explaining how she would be locked outside of her house for hours at a time, verbally berated and physically assaulted.

“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.”

Ally’s next question proved too much for Ms O’Reilly, as she asked, “Do you feel safe right now?”

“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.

“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.”

Ally’s compassion won her praise online, with viewers in awe of her empathy and kindness towards Ms O’Reilly.

One viewer wrote online, “What a debut for Ally Langdon [A Current Affair] ontonight. 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.”

Another viewer said, “Stellar Job tonight Ally.. Welcome to A Current Affair.”

Image credits: A Current Affair

Tags:
TV, Allison Langdon, A Current Affair, domestic abuse, praise