Jennifer Zamparelli says she'd be mad not to consider taking over Liveline

RTÉ News​

12-05-2025

Jennifer Zamparelli has said she would be 'mad' not to consider taking over as host of RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline following Joe Duffy's announcement that he is leaving the show.
Mr Duffy, 69, revealed last Thursday that he will host his final edition of the hugely popular programme on 27 June after 27 years and speculation about his replacement has been rife.
RTÉ have said they will run a process over the summer to appoint the new host, with an announcement expected in autumn.
Speaking to the Irish Sun, 45-year-old Zamparelli, who left her 2fm show last year, said, "I don't know if Liveline can go on without him, that's the thing.
"There's a new head of audio and they might just... RTE are great for shaking things up and doing something different, aren't they? They're mad for that. But we'll see.
"I haven't got any calls. I've been getting many calls, but not from that department as of yet. But who knows.
"Would I consider it? I think you'd be mad not to consider it. You'd be so scared to take on that role.
"And you'd need to be appointed by Joe. You'd need full approval. Otherwise, you'd have no chance in hell."
Other names mentioned in connection with Liveline include Katie Hannon, Ray D'Arcy, Claire Byrne, Sean Moncrieff, Marty Morrisey, and Joe Brolly.
Ms Zamparelli, who continues to co-host Dancing With the Stars on RTÉ One, praised Mr Duffy for his work on the show and his decision to leave.
"I know he was talking about it and it's time and he's done so many years and he wants to get his life back a little bit," she said. "But it's just devastating for the public because Joe is one of the kindest human beings on the planet.
"It's very easy, when you've been in the business a while, to get caught up in your own bulls*** but he's very considerate to new talent and new people that come through the door, and he's very aware of that.
"He's very encouraging and could be a bit of a mentor and is very supportive. And that's rare in this business.
"I'll always appreciate kind words, the support and the encouragement that he's given me over the years. He's just amazing at what he does and he'll be really missed. My mam was nearly in tears watching [him on] the Late Late Show."
Ms Zamparelli was speaking to The Irish Sun at the launch of the Re-turn Small Town, Big Difference campaign which is calling on community groups, clubs and schools across Ireland to share stories of how they are making a difference in their local area through the deposit return scheme.
She also revealed that she is currently working on a "scripted comedy".
"I'm working with two female comedy actresses, writers, Norma Sheahan and Sharon Mannion," she said.
"It's an all-female led comedy series. We've been working on it for a while, but there's always things going on in the background and some things work and some things don't.
"And there's a lot of luck and there's a lot of hoops you have to get through."
Asked if she would star on the new show, she said, "Of course! If no one's going to put you in anything, you got to put yourself in something, that's what I've learned."