Fans have confessed they’re “gutted” over Jennifer Zamparelli’s sudden departure from RTÉ 2FM, amid a “purge” of the station’s top presenters.
The radio host announced her exit from the station on Thursday evening, after 10 years.
The presenter has been on “extended leave” from her weekday show over the past few weeks, which lead to speculation she wouldn’t be returning.
After confirming the news on Instagram, Jennifer was inundated with messages from devastated listeners.
One fan commented: “Absolutely gutted and dreading this was coming. Love your show. Mornings won’t be the same. Best of the for your next chapter ❤️
Another wrote: “Knew this was coming. Gutted. You were a breath of fresh air.”
A third listener commented: “What is happening😭gutted with this news but wish u all the luck and love @jenzamparelli ❤️.”
A fourth added: “Devastated 😢I listen to you every morning! They won’t find anyone as hilarious as you😭 Wishing you every success xx.”
Another comment on 2FM’s Instagram page read: “What is going on? First dioreann , the two Jonny’s and now Jenn?? The 2FM purge …😨😨.”
The popular presenter announced her exit from 2FM on Thursday evening, following the recent departures of Doireann Garrihy and The 2 Johnnies – meaning the radio station has now lost four of its top stars.
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 in a statement shared by RTÉ: “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 also 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.
