Lucy Kennedy has shut down a potential return to RTÉ 2FM, following the departure of four of the station’s top stars.
Jennifer Zamparelli confirmed she was leaving the station on Thursday evening, following the exit announcements of Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies.
Since the news broke, a host of famous faces have been rumoured as potential replacements – including former 2FM hosts Lucy Kennedy and Baz Ashmawy.
Lucy and Baz co-presented the Saturday and Sunday slots, from 7am – 10am, on 2FM for two years until their show was axed in 2012.
At the time, RTÉ told the Irish Independent that the show’s cancellation was “part of the ongoing project to reduce the cost base at 2fm”.
While Lucy and Baz were devastated over the decision at the time, the pair have no interest in returning to the station.
Speaking to Goss.ie, Lucy confirmed she has no plans to leave her breakfast show on Classic Hits Radio, which she co-hosts with Colm Hayes.
She said: “We’ve heard the rumours but myself and Colm are currently happy doing the breakfast show at Classic Hits Radio.”
Meanwhile, a well-placed source told us Baz won’t be returning either.
“It won’t be Baz,” the insider admitted. “Baz is devoted to his TV show DIY SOS and has other projects ongoing including his new TV series Faithless, he won’t be returning to 2FM.”
With many names being thrown in the hat to replace Jennifer, Doireann and The 2 Johnnies, bosses at 2FM are keeping any possible replacements firmly under wraps.
But with Jennifer already gone and Doireann and The 2 Johnnies finishing up at the end of this month, the pressure is on to fill their spots quickly.
While bosses are considering internal and external talent for the 2FM roles, there are calls for them to reward homegrown talent like Lottie Ryan.
Since Jennifer confirmed her exit from 2FM on Thursday evening, Lottie has been hotly tipped to replace her in the weekday slot, which was previously hosted by her late father and beloved broadcaster Gerry Ryan.
The Dublin native has long expressed her desire for her own prime time show on the station, after years of working for the broadcaster.
The 38-year-old would be a fitting replacement as she is a close friend of Jennifer, and she would be stepping into the shoes of her late dad, who passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 53.
A source has told Goss.ie: “Everyone feels it’s truly Lottie’s time now, including Jen herself. This exact slot used to be Gerry Ryan’s so who could be more fitting to replace him than his own daughter?”
“Lottie has been at the station over a decade now and she has been looking for more opportunities to prove herself, this is the ultimate test.
“Bosses want to go back to nourishing homegrown talent in the station and giving broadcasters a chance, instead of seeking out influencers with a big following.”
“Lottie really wanted Dancing with the Stars but lost out to Doireann Garrihy, this really could be her time to shine now.”
While she is a clear favourite to take over from Jen, Lottie told Goss.ie she couldn’t comment on the matter when contacted on Friday morning.
RTÉ 2FM have also said they will announce further details of its summer schedule in the coming weeks.
