RTE Liveline search heats up as reality star tipped to replace Joe Duffy
TV and radio host Brian Dowling has been tipped to take over Liveline. RTE star Joe Duffy confirmed he is set to retire from the station later this month, with his last Liveline broadcast set for Friday, June 27.
Rumours of Duffy's successors include Daithi O Se and Jennifer Zamparelli – but now Celebrity Big Brother star Brian Dowling has also been thrown into the mix.
According to Ladbrokes, Dowling is now 6/1 to take over from Joe after the Kildare native announced he would no longer be co-hosting his 98FM show with Suzanne Kane from this Friday.
Dowling indicated he will continue on the Six O'clock Show and will continue to film the Salvage Squad this summer.
Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes commented: 'Brian Dowling could be the ideal candidate to fill in for Joe Duffy when he leaves Liveline. He has definitely got the personality and punters think he may have an outside chance of landing in the hottest seat in Irish radio right now.'
Speaking about her departure, Suzanne said: 'A little life update (isn't that what they call it?) After nearly 5 years, l'm stepping away from my role presenting 10AM to 1PM on 98FM. Anyone who knows me, will know how much I adore radio and the Bauer family inside Marconi house, but for now, it's time to let the 'Good Times' roll for someone else.
'A word to the amazing team, I loved the madness and radio nerdiness that we all shared and how much we cared. Radio is really special and that's because of the people who do the heavy lifting to make it all come together. I'm glad to have been on this rollercoaster with you all.
'To everyone who listened to the show. I loved sharing my life and my kids with the soundest listeners on 98FM. We've been through a lot together & thank you for always turning up for me, it means more than any of you will know.'
She continued: 'Lastly, a quick word to my kiddos Oisín, Hannah & Sadie. Thank you for letting me have a go of my dream radio job and playing ball every morning, even the really tough ones, so I could be in front of the mic by 10am and of course, Joey- the voice of support, the constant, the reassurance, who always has the reminder 'We'll figure it out, we always do'.'
Dowling added his statement, writing on Instagram: "When I joined Suzanne back in March of 2023, I had ZERO radio hosting skills. Blake was only 6 months old & baby Blu was only a twinkle in our eyes. It took me a minute to get into my new groove, but when I did, WOW, I honestly have had the best time & have genuinely laughed every day; even on those bad days, being part of this show ALWAYS puts a smile on my face.
"Here we are now 2 years & 3 months later & I'm still laughing & smiling. I have learned so much about an industry I've been in for nearly 24 years, presenting mainly television shows but now my love for radio easily equals my love for telly. A MASSIVE HEARTFELT. Thank you to the team, Russell and Cathal. You guys make the show what it is, and especially to you, Pat Gill, for making this experience UTTERLY JOYFUL for me. Also, to you, James Brownlow, thanks for taking the risk on me.
"It has never ever felt like work; I mean, how could it when I'm playing the likes of Britney, S Club & JLO, to name but a few. I am so looking forward to a slower Summer; I'm not actually sure if I can operate on a slower pace."
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