Kate Henshaw Reacts as Jim Iyke Admits Having ‘S*xual Feelings’ for Her 25 Years Ago

Veteran Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw has responded with warmth and humour to a bold and emotionally raw birthday message from fellow actor Jim Iyke, who revealed that he harboured sexual feelings for her more than two decades ago.

In an Instagram post that quickly gained traction across social media, Jim Iyke, 48, recounted how the now 54-year-old Henshaw “friend-zoned” him in their early years in Nollywood, despite his romantic interest in her at the time.

“F**k you, on behalf of my 23-year-old self for treating me like your baby brother when you knew all that time I wanted to hit that,” Iyke wrote, blending frustration, affection, and nostalgia in his note.

According to the actor, Henshaw was always supportive of him during his early career struggles — looking out for him at auditions, slipping him money for food and transportation, and offering guidance. But while she was playing the big sister role, Iyke said he was secretly fantasising about being more than friends.

“Every time I stared in those dancing, beautiful eyes of yours, you knew I had imaginations that were far from friendly,” he confessed.

He humorously added that had Henshaw given him a chance back then, they might have had a grown child by now.

Eventually, Iyke noted, when she did allow him into her life romantically, he was too “wild and restless” to handle the relationship properly.

“Fk you Kate. Fk you coz when you finally lemme hit it, I was at the apex of my singular wildness and restlessness… You stopped looking out for me. Took everything I did literally, then ran off and married that ‘Oyibo’,” he wrote, though clarifying he was proud of the child from that union.

Despite the raw language and fiery tone, Iyke made it clear the message was a celebration of Henshaw’s enduring beauty, influence, and his affection for her.

“You’ve caused hysteria, depression, anxiety, admiration, love, hate… It’s a KATE HENSHAW world,” he said, praising her for her agelessness and iconic status in Nollywood.

Concluding the post, he wrote:

“This f**k you is just because we’re Nigerians. We insult those we love!… Happy Birthday my dearest KO. You’re a phenomenal creature. A force of nature. Your wild boy loves you.”

Kate Responds

Kate Henshaw, known for her grace and discipline in Nollywood, responded warmly in the comments, acknowledging their decades-long friendship and shared hustle in the industry.

“JIMBO, you already know, the journey to today, decades, we trekked, we hustled, we put in the work and STILL do,” she wrote.

“I got you whether we see every day or every decade. Thank you for always toning down your ‘madness’ for me (inside joke). I love you Jimbo.”

The exchange between the two Nollywood legends sparked laughter, admiration, and a flurry of reactions online — with many fans applauding their candour and the deep, enduring bond they share.

While playful and provocative, the exchange highlighted the emotional layers of long-standing relationships in Nollywood, proving that even behind the glam, there are stories of unrequited feelings, loyalty, and decades-long affection.