Veteran Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has sparked conversation across social media after sharing a candid and humorous birthday message to fellow actress Kate Henshaw, revealing he once had romantic feelings for her.
In an Instagram post that mixed affection, playful banter, and reflection, Iyke, 48, openly addressed his long-standing friendship with Henshaw, reminiscing about their early days in the Nigerian movie industry over two decades ago.
Iyke’s message quickly caught attention for its frank tone. According to the actor, Henshaw had “friend-zoned” him 25 years ago when he was just 23, despite his attempts to express romantic interest. At the time, Henshaw was already an established star and, in Iyke’s words, treated him like a younger brother.
“On behalf of my 23-year-old self, f**k you for treating me like your baby brother when you knew I wanted more than friendship,” he wrote, recalling his younger years with both fondness and frustration.
The actor shared how Henshaw used to look out for him in the early stages of his career, offering support during auditions and even helping him financially when needed.
“You would slip me money for food and transport back to my cousin’s house, always watching out for me, while I was there fantasizing about something else entirely,” he admitted.
Iyke joked that had Henshaw agreed to a romantic relationship back then, they might have had a child in their mid-20s by now. “What a gorgeous human we would have made together!” he teased.
Despite finally getting a chance to explore a relationship with her years later, Iyke confessed he was no longer in the right state of mind to handle it properly. According to him, he was caught up in the fast-paced world of fame, overwhelmed by attention, and too restless to settle down.
“By the time you finally let me in, I was at the peak of my wildness,” he wrote. “I had a good heart, but I was reckless and easily misled by the noise of celebrity life.”
Iyke also reflected on Henshaw’s later marriage to a white partner, acknowledging that their union produced a beautiful child. “I was proud,” he added, noting that everything eventually “ended in praise.”
In a tone that blended sarcasm with sincerity, Iyke playfully blamed Henshaw for setting impossible beauty standards for younger women. He joked about how some try extreme measures to replicate her looks—from cosmetic surgery to beauty treatments—but fail because her allure comes from discipline, nature, and commitment, not shortcuts.
“You’ve caused admiration, love, hate, anxiety, and everything in between,” he wrote. “But it’s a Kate Henshaw world, and no one can replicate it.”
Despite the provocative language, Iyke clarified that his remarks were simply their way of expressing love and friendship, especially within Nigerian culture, where teasing is often a sign of affection.
He ended the message on a heartfelt note, calling Henshaw a “phenomenal creature” and “a force of nature,” while acknowledging that their busy careers often keep them apart.
“Sometimes I don’t see you for years, but whenever I run into you anywhere in the world, it’s pure joy,” he said. “Happy birthday, my dearest KO. Your wild boy loves you.”
Henshaw, 54, responded warmly in the comment section, reflecting on their shared history in Nollywood. She praised Iyke for his loyalty over the years, despite his unpredictable personality.
“Jimbo, you already know the journey to today—decades of hustling, hard work, and growth,” she wrote. “We still put in the work, and I got you whether we see each other every day or every decade. Thank you for always toning down your madness for me. I love you, Jimbo.”
Their public exchange has since gone viral, with fans celebrating the duo’s enduring friendship and their reflections on the early days of Nollywood.
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