Big Brother star Brian Dowling and broadcaster Paul Ryder are engaged in a stay TV battle to be a brand new presenter on Ireland AM.
Virgin Media is eager to boost its flagship weekend present with a brand new host that it hopes will present some ‘sparkle and sizzle’ to spice up the favored duo of Elaine Crowley and Simon Delaney.
A well-placed insider mentioned: ‘Weekend AM need to add a 3rd presenter to Elaine and Simon.
‘They are looking for “extra sparkle” to add to the huge popularity of Simon and Elaine, so they are trialling Brian Dowling and Paul Ryder’.
Indeed, a test again over the past month reveals that each Dowling and Ryder have made visitor host appearances.
The transfer to rent a brand new presenter comes six months after Virgin Media had a large shake up that noticed some long-serving workers depart and left many seething.
Popular presenter Laura Woods was made redundant in line with her agent, whereas Aidan Power and Matt Cooper left their roles together with breakfast anchor Anna Daly who additionally departed the station for pastures new.
Crowley’s long-running afternoon present was additionally cancelled in August regardless of the programme’s impressively excessive rankings.
Popular Xposé host Glenda Gilsen, who was with Virgin Media for 14 years, additionally give up to pursue new ventures in TV.
Last month, Laura opened on the ‘tough time’ she skilled after her shock departure from Ireland AM in September 2021.
Her departure was a shock to Ireland AM viewers on the time, however with the TV business so area of interest in Ireland, the transfer didn’t come as that a lot of a shock to her.
Laura mentioned: ‘He has always been really supportive and last summer was no different. It’s a tricky time while you undergo one thing like that, which is life-changing in a approach.
‘Your profession path was going a sure approach after which out of the blue you need to decide your self up and alter course.
‘When decisions are out of your hands, there’s simply no level in getting upset about it, there’s sufficient darkness on this planet. I attempt to not take life too significantly and have some enjoyable.’