Two of Ireland’s top social media stars have thrown their hat in the ring for roles at RTÉ 2FM, Goss.ie can exclusively reveal, amid mass departures from the station.
Jennifer Zamparelli confirmed she was leaving the station on Thursday evening, following the recent departures of Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies.
Amid mounting speculation surrounding who will replace the station’s top stars, Eric Roberts and Miriam Mullins have expressed their interest in a job with the broadcaster.
While the introduction of strict rules for RTÉ talent, including the new Register of Gifts, may deter stars with big social media followings – working for the national broadcaster is still a huge opportunity for rising stars wanting to break into mainstream media.
Eric shot to fame on TikTok during the pandemic, and now boasts over 646k followers on the app, with a further 353k followers on Instagram.
The Donegal native quit his job as a full-time special needs assistant last year to focus on bigger opportunities, and to get his foot in the door with TV and radio work.
In November, he appeared as a contestant on Netflix’s Squid Game: The Challenge, and he is now a regular guest on the likes of Ireland AM on Virgin Media.
Keen to continue his break into the world of broadcasting, Eric said “who knows what’s around the corner” when it comes to a potential role with 2FM.
When asked by Goss.ie if he would take on a job at the station, the 32-year-old said: “I’ve always enjoyed being interviewed on the radio and I’ve only been on the other side of the mic a handful of times…”
“I’ve approached the last couple of years with a never say never attitude and it’s been going well so far so who knows what’s around the corner.”
Another star who would be delighted by the opportunity is fellow TikToker Miriam Mullins.
The 28-year-old is one of Ireland’s most popular social media stars, with over 2.2million followers on TikTok and 155k followers on Instagram.
The Cork native is already well-known in RTÉ, as she appeared on Dancing with the Stars earlier this year.
Giving her an added edge, Miriam also has broadcasting experience as she landed her own evening show on Cork’s Red FM in March 2023.
Speaking to Goss.ie about a potential role at 2FM, Miriam confessed it would be “very difficult to say no” to such a big opportunity.
She told us: “If the opportunity came up I’d definitely consider it. I love radio and 2FM is definitely the station to grow as a presenter and gain more opportunities.
“It would be very difficult to say no,” Miriam candidly admitted.
While 2FM boss Dan Healy has already confirmed Laura Fox as Jennifer Zamparelli’s permanent replacement in the 9am-12pm slot, they’re yet to announce replacements for Doireann and The 2 Johnnies.
And with both finishing up their tenure at 2FM next week, 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 had 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 have been a fitting replacement as she is a close friend of Jennifer, and she would have been stepping into the shoes of her late dad, who passed away suddenly in 2010 at the age of 53.
A source had 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.”
While the 9-12pm slot has now been passed over to Laura Fox, listeners are hoping Lottie will be given another slot within the schedule.
“Lottie really wanted Dancing with the Stars but lost out to Doireann Garrihy, this really could be her time to shine now,” our insider added.
While Lottie is a clear favourite to replace some of 2FM’s departing talent, she 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.
