Media

Jennifer Zamparelli to leave RTÉ 2FM radio show

Third significant departure in recent weeks, after Doireann Garrihy and the 2 Johnnies previously announced plans to leave station

Jennifer Zamparelli. Photograph: Andres Poveda

Fiachra Gallagher
Thu May 23 2024 - 17:54

Jennifer Zamparelli has become the latest presenter to leave RTÉ 2FM, the station has announced.

Ms Zamparelli, who currently presents an eponymous weekday programme from 9am to 12pm, said that she “loved every minute” of working at the station, but now wants to spend more time with her young children.

Ms Zamparelli’s departure follows a string of presenter exits: the 2 Johnnies and Doireann Garrihy also announced their intentions to leave the station in recent weeks.

Ms Zamparelli first joined the station in 2014, when she presented The Breakfast Republic Show. She has been on leave from her show for the past month, with Laura Fox filling in as a replacement presenter.

READ MORE

In a statement posted to social media, Ms Zamparelli said that leaving the station was “a really difficult decision”.

“It has been a really difficult decision to make as I love my team, and of course chatting to you guys (the listeners) every morning.

“From the early starts on Breakfast Republic all those years ago, to opening up the phone lines again from 9-12pm, I have loved every minute.

“Within this time I have gotten married and had two kids and now I feel it’s their time. Florence and Enzo are growing up so fast it’s scary and I really feel now is the time to give them a little more of me, so I won’t be returning to my daily radio show,” she said.

Dan Healy, head of 2FM, described Ms Zamparelli as “funny, bold and brave”.

“In February 2014, 2FM changed direction to appeal to younger audiences and Jen was key to achieving our goal.

“I want to thank her deeply for her energy and commitment to 2FM. It has been a privilege to work with such an amazingly talented person.

“I wish Jen, Lau and their gang all the best for the future and will cheer for Jen loudly in the next phase of her sparkling career,” he said.

2FM said they would announce further details on their summer schedule in the coming weeks.

Ms Zamparelli has co-hosted Dancing With The Stars on RTÉ since 2018.

Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher

Fiachra Gallagher is an Irish Times journalist

LATEST STORIES