It’s been a year of ups and downs in Showbiz land – with celebrity splits, concert cancellations and gob-smacking TV moments, 2014 has been dramatic to say the least.
From Peaches Geldof’s untimely death to Pat Kenny joining UTV Ireland, it’s been a year full of surprises.
We’ve put together the top most shocking stories of the year, take a look:
10. Tallafornia spin-off show Infectious starts filming
Tallafornia getting a second series on TV3 was scary enough, but nothing could prepare us for new reality series Infectious.
The show has yet to be commissioned anywhere, but has already filmed a few episodes.
Starring Tallafornia cast members Nikita Murray, Phil Penny and Marc O’Neill, the series promises to be even trashier than Geordie Shore.
Read the story here:Â Tacky Shore? Tallafornia stars join the line up for Ireland’s next reality series
9. Pat Kenny joins UTV Ireland
Probably the most shocking moment in TV programming this year was when Pat Kenny made the move to UTV Ireland.
He had already asked the country to “move the dial” from RTE radio to Newstalk, and now the broadcaster wants viewers to switch from RTE One to UTV Ireland.
In a deal said to be worth €1 million, Pat was unveiled as a new host at the official launch of UTV Ireland, which begins broadcasting January 1st.
Read the story here: He’s back! Pat Kenny hugely excited to join UTV Ireland
8. Rose of Tralee Maria Walsh announces she’s gay
Philadelphia Rose Maria Walsh revealed to the world that she was a lesbian – days after winning the title of Rose of Tralee.
The Irish beauty received huge support from friends and family when she came out to the world in a surprise interview.
Maria, who grew up in Mayo, admitted she had been in a two year relationship with a woman and said she never meant to hide her sexuality during the competition.
Read the full story here:Â Maria Walsh: I’m proud to be the first GAY winner of the competition
7. Â Brian O’Driscoll reveals he got arrested
Everyone was dying to read Brian O’Driscoll’s autobiography this year, but nobody expected his story about getting arrested in America.
After a baseball game in New York, Brian tells the story of how he was wrongly arrested and spent a night in jail.
Brian was cuffed for an “assault” but insisted he did nothing wrong.
Read the full story here:Â Brian O’Driscoll’s shocking confession: ‘I was arrested for ASSAULT’
6. Rob Kearney’s girlfriend has topless photos shopped around
Women’s hearts were broken all over the country when it was revealed Rob Kearney had a secret girlfriend – but soon it seemed she wasn’t so secret after all.
It came to light that Rob had been dating blonde Jess Redden for nearly a year, and topless photos of her were going around.
Jess, 21, was said to be “furious” after topless photos of her posing with a girlfriend were being sent around and even contacted her lawyers about privacy issues.
Read the full story here:Â Rob Kearney’s girlfriend furious after topless selfies stolen
5. Nadia Forde goes into the I’m A Celebrity jungle
Everyone in the UK and even Ireland was left shocked when Dublin model turned singer Nadia Forde entered the I’m A Celebrity jungle.
The brunette had been in the papers this year when she was rumoured to be dating Rory McIlroy, but friends close to the golfer still insist it was just a once off fling.
After the “romance” did the rounds in the Irish papers, Nadia was lined up for the celeb jungle, and made it in after a Hollyoaks star was dropped.
But celebrities and TV viewers in Ireland and the UK alike weren’t too happy to see her in the Australian jungle.
Read the full story:Â I’m A Celebrity star Nadia Forde causes confusion as fans blast: ‘Who is she?’
4. Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan gets arrested
One of the most shocking stories of 2014 was definitely Dolores O’Riordan getting arrested in Shannon Airport.
The Cranberries singer reportedly “assaulted” an air hostess before attacking a Garda when she landed in the Limerick airport.
Dolores was then arrested and also sent to hospital where she was analysed by doctors.
It later came to light that Dolores had split from her husband of 20 years.
Read the full story:Â Dolores O’Riordan arrested and taken to hospital after alleged assault
3. Peaches Gelfod found dead
The death of Peaches Geldof was a huge shock – not only to people in Ireland but people around the world.
In a horrible likeness to her mother’s death, the daughter of Bob Geldof died of an overdose after using heroine.
No one knew Peaches was using drugs, and people were shocked by her behaviour before her death, as she was looking after her two young children.
Bob has since said he blames himself for her death, and has trouble sleeping.
Read the full story: Peaches Geldof’s inquest revealed
2. Nidge is gone forever
Definitely the most shocking moment in Irish TV this year – Nidge’s death was a complete surprise.
Fans of Love/Hate were left distraught when King Nidge was shot down and killed by pipe bomb maker Patrick in the award winning TV drama.
While most fans held out hope that Nidge wasn’t dead at all and would be returning, actor Tom Vaughan Lawlor came out and confirmed he would not be returning to the series.
Read the full story: Tom Vaughan Lawlor reveals Nidge isn’t coming back
1. Garth Brooks CANCELS all Dublin gigs
Of course our number one most shocking moment of 2014 has to be all about Garth Brooks.
Tomorrow never came, thunder didn’t roll and everyone was extremely annoyed when the country singer walked away from playing Dublin’s Croke Park.
First he was playing five dates, then four, then, three, then two…then none.
It all started when locals complained that Garth’s gigs would cause to much noise and disruption, and although Garth was offered alternative shows, he refused to play Ireland.
Thousands of people lost hotel bookings, flights, and of course…their minds.
Probably the most annoying, repetitive story this year, but hopefully Garth will eventually play Ireland again.
Read the full story here:Â Garth Brooks ‘crushed’ as he announces NO Croke Park shows will go ahead
