Una Healy and Loah to present new music series on RTÉ

The series kicks off on July 24

A new music series highlighting the cream of Irish talent launches on RTÉ One later this month.

Una Healy and Loah are set to host a new series on RTÉ One this summer, called 'The Heart of Saturday Night'.

Over the course of six weeks, the presenters will be offering up a feast of new and well-known Irish talent, who will be showcasing musical sessions from the surrounds of The Round Room at Mansion House.

Many of the performers have not set foot on stage since the beginning of the pandemic, which will make the series all the more special for them and viewers alike. Set to feature will be James Vincent McMorrow, Bell X1, Imelda May, Lyra, Gavin James, Saint Sister, Damien Dempsey, Villagers, Kodaline, Irish Women in Harmony, Mick Flannery, The Saw Doctors, Declan O'Rourke, Tolü Makay, Soda Blonde, Niamh Regan, and Rhiannon Giddens.

Una Healy of The Saturdays will be joined by Afro-soul performer Loah for the new summer music show, set to take place on Saturday nights. Each of the presenters will duet with a musical guest during the series, with Una Healy performing with Derek Ryan and Loah with Gavin James.

Una Healy said of the new production: "I was so excited to be asked to co-host 'The Heart of Saturday Night' and getting to do it alongside the incredibly talented Loah was a joy. We had such a brilliant time filming and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. I can't wait for everyone to see it."

While Loah said: "'The Heart of Saturday Night' is a musical dream come true. Co-presenting with Una has been a great pleasure and it’s been wonderful to hear and chat to all the incredible musicians throughout the series. I’m honoured to be part of the show and look forward to sharing our joy with the audience!"

RTÉ has also promised that as well as performances from the best Irish talent, there will be a celebration of a national treasure who's no longer with us. There will be tributes in honour of Phil Lynott, Dolores O'Riordan, Shay Healy, Ronnie Drew, and John Prine.

'The Heart of Saturday Night' begins on Saturday, July 24, and will run on RTÉ One for six weeks.