Inside Jennifer Zamparelli’s life – love for hubby and kids, career regrets and iconic TV moments as she quits 2FM
JENNIFER Zamparelli has bid an emotional farewell to RTE 2FM after 10 years on air.
The 2FM host announced yesterday that she has made the "difficult decision" decision to hand up the mic on her daily show after a whopping 10 years on air.
Within her decade long stint at 2FM, Jennifer has reached many personal milestones and career achievements.
Here's everything you need to know about the Dublin beauty's life.
LOVE AT FIRST ACT
Jennifer met her now husband, Lauterio Zamparelli, in 2006 when she was just 26-years-old.
Speaking on his wife's podcast, Jen & Lottie Do Parenting, Lauterio explained: "I was auditioning for drama school at the time and I was getting myself into as many plays as I could
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“My friend was in a play with Jen at the time and I auditioned for the play for a 50-year-old priest. I got the part."
Adding her side of the story Jennifer said: "I was like, He’s 24, he’s Italian – he’s perfect for a 50-year-old English priest in the play. I gave him the role and that was it."
The 44-year-old was directing the play her husband was acting in.
Telling his mother he had met the love of his life, Lauterio said: "My mum kept telling me not to get with the director and keep it professional. Jen’s mum was saying, 'You can’t get with one of your actors'."
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Despite the "unprofessional" nature of their pairing the couple admitted their love: "Was just easy. We got on so well.”
WEDDING BELLS
Jen said on the preparation for her fairy-tale wedding to Lau she was petrified of becoming a bridezilla and control freak, but found that the wedding planning experience actually led to the opposite.
The couple got married in a stunning summer wedding in Monaghan's Castle Leslie back in 2014.
She told RSVP: "It’s a really nice time to spend with your mum and get to know your in-laws and bring people together, and folk don’t talk about that – they talk about the band, the food, the dress, the venue and how much are you spending."
The pair went on to have two kids together- daughter Florence and son Enzo.
CO-PARENTING
With both parents working in entertainment and managing hectic schedules, making time for her kids has been a priority for Jen, as she said in her 2FM departure statement.
Jen has praised her husband as being a huge help in rearing both their kids.
Speaking to RSVP magazine on how the couple balance work and parenting Jen said: "Lau doesn’t work on the weekends so that is a plus. I mean if I can produce, write and be in a comedy show, this is nothing compared to that kind of schedule. Working on Bridget and Eamon was fairly full on.
HARDEST JOB SHE'S EVER HAD
The 44-year-old had said, across her career she had juggled manic hours in TV and Radio, but nothing could have prepared her for the work that has gone into raising two kids.
In an interview with The Independent Jennifer said: "I really found being a full-time mum is the hardest job I've ever done, and I've done some s***ty jobs.
"You just don't get a minute. I think going into work would be a bit of a break, you know? It's full-on and I take my hat off to anyone who does it because it's just a thankless job, really."
The feisty Irish lady first made her big telly break when she appeared on the UK Apprentice in 2008.
ICONIC TV MOMENTS
In the media self-styled businesswoman was portrayed as 'an ice maiden'. She was fired in week seven of the show. But this was only the beginning.
Jennifer began building her career from the ground up appearing on the RTE reality television show, Failte Towers, where the then 28-year-old reached the final.
Following her initial TV success with the broadcaster she joined the cast on the Republic of Telly where Jennifer made a name for herself going onto red carpets and asking celebrities awkward and rude questions.
In one notable moment, Jen rendered Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary speechless on the show when she asked him: "What's it like being the biggest prick in Ireland?"
During Jen's colourful career, there's only one show from her career she regrets taking part in.
She told Goss.ie: "I’ve had so many great opportunities. I’m pretty proud of most things that I’ve done.
"Except for that one dating show I did [One Night Stand]! That was pants, so apart from that dating show I can stand over everything. I’ve had those tapes burned!”
Pivoting to radio in February 2014, Jen joined 2FM as part of Breakfast Republic, before getting her own radio show in 2019. She left her show only a few days ago.
Jennifer, who hasn't been on air in weeks, made the tough decision to leave to spend more time with her family.
