Seoige gets her own RTÉ show

Gráinne Seoige is to leave Sky News to present a new daytime television show for RTÉ 1.

Gráinne Seoige is to leave Sky News to present a new daytime television show for RTÉ 1.

Ms Seoige will join the national station this autumn to host a show produced by an independent company. She has been with Sky News Ireland since its launch back in 2004.

Having her own daytime show immediately is a major coup for the presenter. Traditionally RTÉ broadcasters have to wait many years before getting such an opportunity in prime time.

Details of the show remain vague, but sources said it would not be news-orientated. It is likely to air at about 5pm and take viewers up until 6pm for the main evening news.

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Ms Seoige has started working on bulletins on Sky News UK in recent months, including stints presenting alongside Eamonn Holmes. This led to speculation that she might move permanently to the UK, but this is now unlikely.

Clare Duignan, director of programmes at RTÉ, said the show would be geared around Ms Seoige as presenter and preproduction would start as early as this summer.

Her decision to leave will be a blow to Sky News Ireland. It has been finding it difficult to build substantial ratings in the Republic, but last night the station thanked Ms Seoige for her dedication and hard work.