‘Pass the baton to me' says RTE's Arthur Gourounlian as he throws hat into ring to replace beloved icon in huge TV gig

The Irish Sun

16-05-2025

RTE star Arthur Gourounlian has asked a beloved TV icon to pass over his baton to him.
The dad-of-two is a jack of all trades and is constantly on the go with judging on
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Arthur Gourounlian wants to replace Marty Whelan when he retires from his Eurovision job
Credit: Conor Healy / Picture It
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Marty Whelan has been commentating on Eurovision for RTE for 26 years
Credit: Instagram
He was also on the national judging panel on the Late Late Eurosong Special twice to comment on the six acts who battled it out to represent Ireland in Eurovision.
The 44-year-old said he's a "fanatic" for the international song competition and would love to take
Marty Whelan has been commentating through all three stages of Eurovision with the national broadcaster since 2000.
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The 68-year-old's
He has became synonymous in Ireland for his coverage of the Eurovision.
Arthur told The Irish Sun: "Listen to me, this is very exclusive... I'm manifesting - when Marty Whelan is retiring, I want to host as a commentator. Why not? Dream big.
"Listen, he looks amazing, I love Marty, I met him, he's like my gemini brother, I love it.
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"But you know what? I love Eurovision so much."
Arthur believes himself and his podcast co-host and good pal
Arthur Gourounlian gives Donal Skehan 'resignation' from podcast
The celebrity choreographer explained: "I even said me and Donal, because we're both obsessed with Eurovision. I was like, 'Imagine you and me doing the commentary for Eurovision. It's like being Ryland or Scott Mills.
"Why not? Bring us in. So that's what I would love to do. Forget about creating. I want to be the new Irish commentator for Eurovision for the years to come. Here we go."
Pleading to the iconic star, he added: "I'm saying, 'Marty, when you retire, please pass the baton to me and Donal'."
Arthur also launched Newbridge Silverware's brand new 'Legendary Blue Box' campaign, which is a tribute to timeless style and craftsmanship, this week.
'BEYOND PROUD'
The media personality produced and directed the dance video which sees dancers perform in the Newbridge Silverware showroom and factory to depict the style of the famous Blue Box.
The exciting new video will be shared on social media on Saturday May 17, at 7.00pm to coincide with the
The video is a complete first for the jewellery company and marks the next chapter in the history of the famous Irish lifestyle company which was established in 1934.
Speaking about the new campaign, Arthur said, 'It was an honour. This was a bold and visionary leap for the brand, unlike anything they've done before.
"Sitting at the table with such passionate minds, dreaming, crafting, and channelling the timeless heritage and magic of Newbridge Silverware into something so bold was nothing short of unforgettable.
"My vision was to tell the story in one continuous shot, with no edits and no interruptions, to heighten the emotion and immerse the viewer in the beauty and rhythm of a dream captured inside the box. This is more than a project; it's a love letter to tradition, elegance, and reinvention.
"I'm beyond proud of what we've achieved. And this… this is only the beginning. Here's to the enduring legacy of Newbridge Silverware. May it shine on for generations to come."