Jennifer Zamparelli in the mix to make RTE comeback
The move to jump Jennifer into Doireann's afternoon slot, comes as bosses at the station, have been left 'scratching their collective heads' in a bid to find a suitable 'fill-in host for Doireann who is due to take a break to give birth to her first child.
Doireann and Jennifer are friends and had been co-hosts of the popular TV show, Dancing with the stars on RTE. Dancing With The Stars presenters Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy. Pic: Kyran O'Brien/KOBPIX
As previously reported by Extra.ie, the station has been drafting a list of possible temporary presenters since last May when Doireann first announced that she was expecting her first child.
And despite RTE initially telling Extra.ie that they have 'compiled a lengthy list of potential presenters separate sources have now let slip that 'pickings are slim. Pic: Instagram/ Doireann Garrihy
In addition to Jennifer, comedian Emma Doran is also being considered, and it would appear that the 'short list' is very extremely short, having been whittled down to a choice between Jennifer Zamparelli and Emma Doran.
'There's a lot of head-scratching occurring in here to fill Doireann's maternity leave,' said a senior RTE source. Emma Doran
'There's a bit of a conundrum. Obviously they want to find someone good and competent to handle the slot while Doireann is off air. But on the other hand, there are certain people in here who 'really, really, really, love, love' Doireann so they aren't keen to choose anyone that could potentially upstage Doireann or be better than her in that slot,'the source continued.
'So there's kind of a school-of-thought if they bring back Jennifer Zamparelli, she is a known quantity, she's Doireann's mate and she has no intentions of looking for a full time gig. So it's the safe option.' Amy Huberman, Deirdre O'Kane, Jason Byrne, Graham Norton, Emma Doran and Martin Angolo at the premiere of LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
But there's another group who are keen to try someone different, fresh voices, who are pitching for Emma Doran as a candidate.'
'So, as I said lots of head-scratching going on.'
In a statement to Extra.ie, RTE said back in May that they have compiled a detailed list of both internal and external candidates, saying, 'In relation to Doireann's 2FM show, we have been through a detailed expressions of interest phase and have a longlist of potential presenters both on and off 2FM which we are considering.' Mark Mehigan and Doireann Garrihy. Pic: Doireann Garrihy/Instagram
Presenter Doireann and her new hubby, podcaster Mark Mehigan, announced last month that they are expecting their first child.
The couple, who tied the knot last year, shared the news on Instagram with photos holding their baby scan, with the caption: 'We are beside ourselves with joy. Here's to the greatest chapter yet.'
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