Jennifer Zamparelli becomes the latest presenter to quit 2FM

The broadcaster had been absent from her show for several weeks, but station bosses had insisted that she would be returning.

A fresh blow for the national broadcaster, her departure follows the high-profile exit of Doireann Garrihy from the morning slot and the 2 Johnnies from their drivetime show.

In a statement, RTÉ said Zamperelli is to “hang up the mic on her daily show.”

The co-host of Dancing With The Stars along with Garrihy presented her own show from 9-12pm weekdays on RTÉ 2FM since May 2019, having joined the station in February 2014 on Breakfast Republic.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 23rd May 2024

Jennifer Zamparelli said: "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."

She 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 said.

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".

Mr Healy 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 said it would announce further details on its summer schedule in the coming weeks.