Baz Ashmawy has been tipped to replace Jennifer Zamparelli on RTÉ 2FM after her shock exit from the station.
Jennifer’s shock departure follows the recent departures of Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies.
The news was confirmed by RTÉ this evening, revealing the radio station has now lost four of its top stars.
With speculation growing on who will fill the top spots on the station, Ladbrokes have released who’s in the running.
Baz is favourite at 3/1 to replace Jennifer for her morning show, while other names in the mix are Brian Dowling at 5/1 and Síle Seoige at 8/1.
Jennifer is the latest of big names at 2FM to leave, with Laura Fox being the new favourite to replace Doireann Garrihy on 2FM’s Breakfast Show.
She currently sits at 2/1 favourite to get the prime breakfast spot.
Laurita Blewitt and Hector Ó’hEochagáin at 5/1 followed by Tracy Clifford at 6/1 also in the running for the slot.
For the 2 Johnnies afternoon show, Greg O’Shea is at 2/1, Lottie Ryan at 4/1 and Jenny Greene at 6/1 are tipped to take over from the two Tipperary men.
Jennifer has presented her own show from 9-12pm weekdays on RTÉ 2FM since May 2019. She joined the station in February 2014 on Breakfast Republic.
Jennifer, who has been on “extended leave” over the past few weeks, said: “I have been working in 2FM for 10 amazing years and now it’s time for me to move on. It has been a really difficult decision to make as I love my team, and of course chatting to you guys (the listeners) every morning.
“From the early starts on Breakfast Republic all those years ago, to opening up the phone lines again from 9-12pm, I have loved every minute. Within this time I have gotten married and had two kids and now I feel it’s their time.
“Florence and Enzo are growing up so fast it’s scary and I really feel now is the time to give them a little more of me, so I won’t be returning to my daily radio show.”
Jennifer paid tribute to the team who have worked with her through her ten years at RTÉ 2FM.
“Thank you to all the producers and BCOs who helped over the years. Thank you to my team for all the support and the laughs.
“Thanks to Paul Russell and Dan Healy for being so understanding of me needing my family time and for the opportunity to be on 2FM for 10 years. I’m so excited to see what happens next with the station … I will be tuning in for sure,” she added.
The news comes just days after Jennifer was forced to deny speculation she wouldn’t be returning to the station, amid rumours surrounding her future on the show.
Alongside her 2FM show, Jennifer co-hosts Dancing with the Stars with Doireann Garrihy on RTÉ One.
It’s currently unknown if either of the presenters will return to the show in 2025.
Head of RTÉ 2FM Dan Healy said: “After an amazing 10 years on 2FM, Jen has decided to leave the station. Funny, bold, and brave, Jen has been front and centre of 2FM from The Breakfast Republic Show to her brilliant own Jennifer Zamparelli Show.
“In February 2014, 2FM changed direction to appeal to younger audiences and Jen was key to achieving our goal. I want to thank her deeply for her energy and commitment to 2FM.”
“It has been a privilege to work with such an amazingly talented person. I wish Jen, Lau and their gang all the best for the future and will cheer for Jen loudly in the next phase of her sparkling career.”
Dan continued: “Also, a big thanks to the producers who worked with Jen over the years – Dave Sherry on Breakfast Republic and Kate Proctor, Eithne Kelly, Anita Ward and Jon Jon Mehigan on The Jen Zamparelli Show and of course the rest of our colleagues who worked so hard on the shows.”
RTÉ 2FM will announce further details on its summer schedule in the coming weeks.
