Jennifer Zamparelli- who is currently on an “extended break” from her 2FM radio show- has moved to dismiss widely spread rumours that she is set to be joined by a co-host when she returns to the studio.
It's believed that top of the list for RTE’s bosses are Dancing with the Stars judge Arthur Gourounlian, rising star Laura Fox, and social media man James Patrice.
Speculation about Jen’s 2FM gig began circulating when she made the sudden announcement that she was taking a hiatus.
While she herself and RTE are adamant that she will be back on air as of yet, no return date has been provided.
Now, with Jen sunning herself and taking full advantage of her long absence, EVOKE has learned that a show shakeup is underway.
According to one insider, there are plans to install a co-host to helm the three-hour morning show in an effort to attract a younger audience.
Jen's show is ticking along but the hard and simple fact is her numbers have stagnated. They’ve been hovering around the 143,000 mark for the past few JNLRs,’ said a source.
‘She’s not losing listeners in massive numbers. But she’s not gaining either. That’s okay if you’ve a big audience but when you’re just over the 100,000 mark for consecutive JNLRs, then something has to change.’
Radio boss Dan Healy is the man tasked with ensuring 2FM's success. And with massive cuts and declining or stagnating numbers across a number of 2FM shows, he is determined to ‘make the necessary changes wherever needed.’
Another source familiar with the matter told EVOKE that there were ‘tentative discussions’ between Jen and Dan ahead of her sudden sojourn.
‘There were talks about the future direction of her show and contract renewal and other issues,’ said a source.
‘Dan intimated that while he is a big fan of Jen, and thinks she is doing a great job, nonetheless shows need a shakeup.’
Such was the rumour mill surrounding Jen’s tenure at the national broadcaster, Dan Healy himself was forced to come out and say she had not quit her gig.
Speaking to the Sunday World, Dan was empathic that Jen would be returning. ‘She’s on leave. It’s b******t. B******t, b******t, b******t. She’s on leave. It’s farcical,” he said. “She posted on social media that she’s going on holidays.’
When contacted, Jen denied reports that a co-host would be installed when she returns to her radio role too. 'This is completely false info!' she said.
But RTE bosses are keeping schtum about the prospect of a new presenter joining her on the show. 'We won’t be commenting,' said a spokeswoman when asked about the matter.
However, the statements aren't enough to quell the speculation. The rumours persist that the hunt for a co-presenter is well underway with Healy drawing up a “hit list’ of hosts.
With Jen off-air, Galway girl Laura Fox has been parachuted into helm the show for the foreseeable.
One insider pointed out that Laura's name has been strapped onto the show which they say while not uncommon is also not that common.
‘The stinger is The Jennifer Zamparelli Show -with Laura Fox. While it’s not unknown for a presenter covering leave to have their name tagged onto the jingle it’s also not that common either. It’s quite telling,’ said a separate source.
‘Laura Fox, James Patrice and Arthur Gourounlian are the names bandied about that could be joining Jennifer in the slot whenever she returns.
