Dermot Whelan has announced his shock departure from Today FM.
The popular presenter shared the news on the Dermot & Dave Show, which he co-hosts with Dave Moore, on Tuesday morning.
He said: “After 21 years on the radio together, I have decided to leave Dermot and Dave.”
“Contrary to reports, this is not because of Dave’s Bad Jokes! I actually made this extremely difficult decision because I have other areas in my life that I’m really passionate about and I want to spend some time really devoting my time to them.”
A qualified meditation teacher for a number of years, Dermot is going to focus his attentions on his Mind Full brand, which has seen him write a bestselling book as well as a live tour.
He told listeners: “I have sought to blend comedy and humour with meditation so that I could help people deal with stress, worry and anxiety in their daily lives.”
“I hope to write more books, do more tours and reach an online audience that I believe are ready for something new in this space.”
Picture Brian McEvoy
“Radio has given me so much over the last two decades. It’s the most wonderfully creative and exciting place to be with the best people in the world. Most of all it has given me an incredible relationship with our amazing listeners.”
“I cannot thank all of you enough for tuning into our madness every day and laughing along with our funny stories and letting the tears flow for our sad ones.”
Dave, who will begin hosting his own show later this month, said: “Dermot Valentine Whelan, I’ll miss being in a small room with my best friend for five hours every day and I am incredibly proud and excited for you for what’s next. I will not miss the 7-course fish dinner you eat before the show!”
When 2 become 1 💛
Dermot & Dave are coming to an end. Huge love to Dermot who is heading off to focus on his Mind Full brand.
Watch this space as Dave Moore takes the hot seat to launch his brand-new show in the coming weeks 📻
For more see https://t.co/n6naWCqCbE pic.twitter.com/PwNiKiAmxh— Today FM 💛 (@TodayFM) August 8, 2023
Dermot added: “Dave and I are best mates. We will always be best mates. I love him dearly. Nothing will change that, and I know that Dave supports me in everything I’m doing. He knows I didn’t take this decision lightly and he knows how passionate I am about the space I’m moving into.”
“We hope to continue to work together long into the future and I can’t wait to see what that looks like. And I can’t wait for people to get even more of Dave with his new show. Although something tells me you may be getting even more Bad Jokes!”
Dave Moore on Today FM will begin at 9am on Monday, August 28th and will see Dave bring his infectious energy, warmth, wit and (very) bad jokes to a new and exciting show format.
Audiences can expect to be as entertained as they always have been while looking forward to some fresh new features including what’s set to be Ireland’s most exciting radio game, sure to have listeners hooked from the get-go!
