One of the few pretty faces left in RTÉ, Gráinne Seoige, is readying herself for the big switch to UTV and a return to morning television.
I will be giving serious consideration to renewing my television license as our national broadcaster is losing one of its most fresh-faced stars.
Gráinne Seoige is attempting to further her career with a move to British breakfast programme GMTV and we all wish her the best of luck in the new position – but we hope she comes back soon.
In March, Gráinne reported on the Cheltenham Festival for GMTV alongside Dan Lobb. The following month Gráinne returned to GMTV to present the sports news while regular host Lobb was away.
It has been reported that this latest move is only temporary and that Gráinne will continue to uphold her RTÉ commitments. The worry, however, is that the presenter will build a huge rapport with the 700,000 morning viewers which await the presenter.
Given that Gráinne is in the news for a reason more than a chance to just print her photograph – which we would never complain about anyway – here are five things you may not know about the Galway girl…
1. Gráinne shields her teenage son from the media
She has a teenage son named Conall whom she has tried to protect from the media spotlight for many years.
“I’ve been in this business since he was a toddler, so it’s what he’s used to,†she told VIP magazine in a rare mention of her son. “It’s easier because you’re not facing someone tiny with their arms up waiting for you, the minute you walk in the door. Conall is usually at football training, or gone to the cinema, or doing homework.â€
2. Gráinne made firsts in Irish television history
She is the only news anchor to have presented the inaugural news bulletins on two Irish terrestrial stations – TV3 and TG4, and she is the first television personality to have worked with all four Irish television stations – TG4, TV3, Sky News Ireland and RTÉ.
3. Gráinne used to earn €40,000-a-year with TV3
Not a whole heap for presenting the 5.30pm news but Gráinne did get a significant salary increase when she joined Sky News Ireland. She unexpectedly resigned from TV3 by faxing her employer from Thailand, though her contract required her to serve an extra two months. Sky paid her €70,000-a-year.
4. Gráinne travelled the world in 80 days*
While in between jobs Gráinne travelled the world and managed to visit 57 cities in different countries with her sister SÃle. The idea for the bizarre endeavour derives from a love of the famed Phileas Fogg adventure story.
5. Gráinne is nearer to 40 than 30
You wouldn’t think it, would you? She’s stylish, good looking and always presents herself very well in front of the cameras. But Gráinne is creeping towards the 40 mark. She will celebrate her 37th birthday this November.
*4 is completely made up. Or is it? Well, yes, it is.
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