logo
Jennifer Zamparelli in the mix to make RTE comeback

Jennifer Zamparelli in the mix to make RTE comeback

Extra.ie​4 days ago
Former 2FM presenter Jennifer Zamparelli could be headed back to RTE radio towers to cover Doireann Garrihy's maternity leave, Extra.ie can reveal.
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.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Fair City's Lidl store removed from Google Maps after customer confusion
Fair City's Lidl store removed from Google Maps after customer confusion

Extra.ie​

time3 hours ago

  • Extra.ie​

Fair City's Lidl store removed from Google Maps after customer confusion

A Lidl store in Dublin has been removed from Google Maps following after confusion surrounding its validity was revealed earlier in the week. On Monday, RTÉ's Economics & Public Affairs Editor David Murphy revealed that the Lidl on the set of Fair City had caused a stir from one woman looking to do her weekly shop. The confusion came from a realistic-looking Lidl store which now features in the fictional town of Carrigstown and is built on RTÉ's Donnybrook campus. A Lidl store in Dublin has been removed from Google Maps following after confusion surrounding its validity was revealed earlier in the week. Pic: RTÉ The store is not open to the public, and is off the back of a three-year product placement deal signed earlier in the year between the supermarket chain and RTÉ. RTÉ Commercial Director Gavin Deans previously confirmed the deal was the largest broadcast product placement agreement in Irish television history. The collaboration between RTÉ and Lidl includes realistic store features like a Deposit Return Machine, in-store backery, and even a modern staff welfare area. Construction of the fake shop began in Mark, and will see fictional store manager Renee introduced as part of a some upcoming plotlines within the show. Pic: RTE While the faux supermarket looks exactly like any other Lidl store, and even appeared on Google Maps, it is not operational with one woman sent on her way earlier in the week. David shared: 'Met a lady outside RTÉ trying to get in to do her shopping i the Lidl on the Fair City set this evening. It's listed on Google Maps. 'I gave her directions to Tesco.' As of Wednesday, the faux Lidl, which was on the app under Lidl Fait City, has been removed from Google Maps. Construction of the fake shop began in Mark, and will see fictional store manager Renee introduced as part of a some upcoming plotlines within the show. Characters in Fair City will interact with the store as part of their daily lives in Carrigstown – and, evidently, some viewers are already mistaking it for a place to pick up their weekly shop. have reached out to Google Ireland.

Ageless RTE star Maura Derrane strips down on Irish beach and ‘takes a plunge' in freezing sea
Ageless RTE star Maura Derrane strips down on Irish beach and ‘takes a plunge' in freezing sea

The Irish Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

Ageless RTE star Maura Derrane strips down on Irish beach and ‘takes a plunge' in freezing sea

RTE star Maura Derrane is proving that she's ageless once again after showing off her jaw-dropping figure on the beach. The 2 Maura Derrane in newly shared video in Inis Mor 2 Maura looked sensational in her low-plunging bikini water was "absolutely freezing". In a clip posted to Instagram, the 54-year-old shrieked, "Brrrr.", as she panned the camera around the sea front. The Galway girl looked sensational in a low-plunging floral bathing suit - which perfectly showed off her curves. The star frolicked along the sand as she exclaimed: "I don't think i can do this, I am like an iceberg! READ MORE IN MAURA DERRANE "But I am going to try and get in." Barbara, who was already in the water shouted: "It's warm!" Maura laughed and sarcastically replied: "Oh sure it's warm, I don't believe you." In the next video , Maura could be seen waving at the camera from the sea. Most read in News TV The popular presenter then flipped the camera to reveal the glistening seaside and bright blue sky . She admitted: "Okay I know I'm a bit of a wuss but how could I not get into that perfect pristine sea, it was really worth it in the end. Maura Derrane shows off beauty routine ahead of major awards show "I only went in for a quick dip, but I felt 100 per cent better afterwards. It's so worth it. "Even if you are a bit of chicken like me, take the plunge! Even for five minutes and you will feel fab." The TV star captioned her post: "A reluctant evening swim on Inis Mór, but so happy afterwards." Fans all shared their love for the star as they flocked to the comments. Marietta wrote: "FABULOUS Maura." Marie: "Looking wonderful Maura." Avril added: "You look AMAZING." Johnny remarked: "You're figure is incredible Maura."

‘Ma was made of strong stuff', says tearful Ray D'Arcy in emotional funeral tribute to mum ‘fast-tracked to heaven'
‘Ma was made of strong stuff', says tearful Ray D'Arcy in emotional funeral tribute to mum ‘fast-tracked to heaven'

The Irish Sun

time9 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

‘Ma was made of strong stuff', says tearful Ray D'Arcy in emotional funeral tribute to mum ‘fast-tracked to heaven'

RTE star Ray D'Arcy choked back tears as he paid tribute to his late mother at her funeral, telling mourners: 'Our ma was made of strong stuff.' Family matriarch 4 Ray D'Arcy choked back tears as he paid tribute to his mum during her funeral mass Credit: 4 Mary D'Arcy passed away peacefully in Naas hospital last Friday Credit: 4 Ray was comforted by his wife Jenny Credit: Speaking at her requiem funeral in St Brigid's Parish Church, in Kildare Town, In a deeply emotional eulogy, the 'Nothing life-threatening we thought, and then about six weeks ago we got the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer. 'The doctor said (she had) 'weeks' last Wednesday, then they said it was going to be 'short days'. She didn't suffer much.' Read more on Ray D'Arcy The broadcaster revealed how the staff at Naas hospital spoke of her quiet bravery in her final days. Ray said: 'The nurses had the measure of my mother. One nurse, also called Mary, told me your mum strikes me as someone who wouldn't complain. Another palliative nurse called Linda said there was an official name for patients, she said: 'Your mother is an under-reporter.' 'They were right. My mother was an Olympic gold standard when it came to 'it's only me-isms'. That was our Ma.' He added how the family joked over the last few days that their mum 'had been fast-tracked to heaven and was being given the full VIP treatment with a complimentary box of chocolates'. Most read in the Irish Sun The well-known TV and radio star then spoke about his mum's life, recalling how she had married his dad, Ray senior, 'the local James Dean look-a-like' , who he described as "trouble with a capital T" at aged 23, and had nine children in sixteen years. Ray recalled: 'They had a lot of children but not a lot of money. It could have broken mammy and nearly did at times.' RTE star Ray D'Arcy shares 'very very special' moment late Shane MacGowan sang in his mum's kitchen Holding back tears, her son told the church: 'But our ma was made of strong stuff. Her ability to manage a household on a meagre income would put many a Minister of Finance to shame. 'We never wanted for anything, I don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine, nine of us in that little council cottage.' However Ray also managed to bring laughter to the service when he recounted his late father's attempts to get their kids to lend a hand. UPSET MAMMY He recalled: 'I remember when Ma was pregnant with our sister Joan. Dad came in from the pub one night, and found mammy in tears over the kitchen sink, complaining that none of us were pulling our weight. 'Dad returned to the sitting room where we were watching The Old Grey Whistle Test, and he proceeded to read us the riot act. 'He said, 'Your mother needs your help, and it's not my fault your mother is pregnant.'' Ray said that once her child-rearing days were over, his 'Mammy emerged from under a mountain of Terry cloth nappies and damp denims to become a person in her own right who didn't exist exclusively to make us meals, darn our socks and patch our jeans'. 'CALMING PRESENCE' He told of his late mother's role as secretary of the local St Joseph's Academy where she 'ran the place' for over 20 years, 'not just as an administrator but looking after the welfare of all the students and teachers". He added: 'Our mother was a calming presence, everywhere she went. She led the choir here in this church for years.' 'We never wanted for anything, I don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine, nine of us in that little council cottage.' Ray D'Arcy Each of Mary's nine children had done "reasonably well" and were based in New York, Scotland, the Middle East, and in Ireland. Ray recalled how his sister Anne had taken his mother's hand in hospital last Friday, just before she passed to tell her how much all her children loved her. Ray added: 'If my mother had been able to talk back to us last Friday mam would have said, 'I love you all equally and unconditionally. Mary D'Arcy was a truly amazing person and we were lucky to have her.'' Mary was buried afterwards in St Conleth's cemetery, Kildare Town. 4 Ray told how his family were shocked at Mary's sudden passing Credit: Robbie Reynolds

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store