Latest news with #SarahMcInerney
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Philip Boucher-Hayes says there are ‘five wannabes' in running to become Liveline host, ‘myself included'
The presenter, who is currently filling in on the show since Joe Duffy's departure from the station last month, joked that Montrose bosses were putting the five contenders 'through their paces' as they vie for the role. He told listeners: "For the avoidance of further confusion, let us set it out once again: RTÉ has not made a decision on this. "There are five wannabes, myself included; in fact probably a hell of a lot more than five wannabes, but there are five wannabes being put through their paces on air before RTÉ makes a decision. 'After that, we will move to the swimwear and ball gown elements of the competition. I think I've got that section nailed down. I want to though, because in the final round is the Hunger Games, they will be placing a big cache of non-lethal weapons under the RTÉ mast and letting us all race to them, grab your preferred weapon and have at it. 'And everybody is hoping, by that stage of the competition, that Sarah McInerney has been taken out because she is very handy with the nunchucks, but the news is no decision made. "Well, maybe they have made a decision after my first week in the chair. But let's leave that aside there is officially no decision made, so on with the show.' Other frontrunners rumoured to be taking over the gig include Sarah McInerney's Drivetime co-host Cormac Ó hEadhra, regular Liveline stand-in, Katie Hannon, and Saturday show presenter, Colm O'Mongáin, Boucher-Hayes is filling in on show for two weeks, and admitted it was a 'daunting' position to fill. In his first show, after Duffy's retirement, the Countrywide presenter urged Liveline listeners to be 'kind' while the permanent host of the show is being decided. He said: "This is actually quite daunting, but Philip, just get on with it and get to the calls, because nothing else has changed about this programme. The number is the same, the production team is the same.' "Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Philip Boucher Hayes. Be kind people,' he added. Joe Duffy retired at the end of June, after being at the helm of the show for 27 years. An audience was present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final Liveline show, including past callers and former colleagues. In his final sign off, he said: 'Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege." Kildare-born Boucher-Hayes lives in Wicklow with Suzanne and their two daughters. He presents Countrywide on Saturday mornings and the Hot Mess podcast, both on RTÉ Radio One. His television work includes Rising Tides, Hot Air and Future Shock: The Last Drop on RTÉ.
Extra.ie
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who will be the new Joe Duffy?
The date for potential presenters to apply for the position of Host of the RTE Flagship show ended today while the search for the new Joe Duffy rolls on. The national broadcaster had opened an 'expressions of interest' portal for hopefuls to submit their applications to take over from Joe Duffy who retired last week. And while RTE have identified a number of candidates, both internally and externally, there could be some wild cards thrown into the mix when they assess the submissions lodged through their jobs portal. Joe Duffy. Pic: Michael Chester As we revealed last week bosses at Montrose are keen to parachute in a number of household names over the next few weeks to test, live on air, how they fare hosting the show. An RTÉ source said Montrose bosses have identified five potential internal candidates to take over Duffy's coveted Radio 1 programme. Miriam O'Callaghan and Joe Duffy. Pic: Michael Chester These include the Drivetime duo Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra, regular Liveline stand-in Katie Hannon, Saturday show presenter Colm O'Mongáin, and Countrywide host Philip Boucher-Hayes, who has been standing in for Duffy all this week. Sarah McInerney pictured at the Platinum VIP Style Awards 2025 at the InterContinental Dublin. Pic: Brian McEvoy After Boucher-Hayes, three of his RTÉ radio colleagues will get their chance to impress in the Liveline hotseat, RTE confirmed last night. It is understood Katie Hannon has already done enough while filling in to stake her claim. Sources also said a 'serious shake-up' of RTÉ's Radio 1 stable is on the cards. One RTÉ insider told 'The race is on! There is a serious shake-up coming, especially in relation to Drivetime.' Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra. Photo by Ruth Medjber @ruthlessimagery 'So bosses here want to kind of sound out how they [McInerney and O hEadhra] do on Liveline.' But the portal could throw up a few dark horses meaning this race is by no means a one-horse presenting pony. Joe Duffy presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 at the RTÉ Radio Centre. Pic: Andres Poveda And with the portal now closed the race is on to find the new Joe Duffy with the lucky candidate set to be announced next September ahead of the stations autumn/winter schedule launch.
