In another big move for the broadcaster, Pat Kenny is set to join forces with UTV Ireland as their anchor presenter. It has just been announced moments ago on the channel's Twitter as a press launch is currently taking place with all of the details of what we can expect to be watching on UTV Ireland in 2015.
Pat Kenny controversially left RTE last year to join Newstalk and there has been speculation over whether he would revive his TV presenting career in a rival channel. He does what he wants, that Pat.
Just one more thing, we're very pleased to announce that Pat Kenny will be joining the #UTVIreland presenting team.
— UTV Ireland (@UTVIreland) August 19, 2014
Pat Kenny takes the stage... #UTVIreland pic.twitter.com/6aMseieTTR
— UTV Ireland (@UTVIreland) August 19, 2014
Pat Kenny says the months ahead with #UTVIreland will be an exhilarating experience. He hopes to bring a new programme to air in early 2015.
— UTV Ireland (@UTVIreland) August 19, 2014
UPDATE: Here is a statement from Mr Pat Kenny himself...
"When I joined Newstalk I took a leap into new territory and I’m delighted I did. I have thoroughly enjoyed adapting to what was a fresh challenge in my career and I’m pleased to say, I’m still hugely enthused by it and enjoying every single day.
At that time, I made a commitment to bed in the radio show at Newstalk 106 in a very focussed way and I’m happy that we’re on track in that task. With that initial period under our belt, the timing is now really good to get back into television - a medium in which I grew up and for which I have a massive passion.
Passion is very much at the centre of my rationale for teaming up with the new team at UTV Ireland – the passion and energy which they’re demonstrating very much matches my own desire to get out there with something innovative, exciting and creative. I’m energised by what I’ve seen and the prospect of working with talented young people allied to some very experienced and wise colleagues. I’m very excited to be joining UTV Ireland and really looking forward to broadcasting again early in 2015. For me, this is new territory – interesting, challenging and fresh.
We’ve already had some initial discussions on how we can produce an entertaining, enticing proposition that is compelling for viewers. During the next few months we’ll take what is effectively a blank canvas with some initial strands and shape it to create the best television possible. I know the output will reflect the passion, talent, creativity and the energy of the team at UTV Ireland and I’m delighted to be part of that team.”
The #UTVIreland team... pic.twitter.com/kzIZRv7Sbq
— UTV Ireland (@UTVIreland) August 19, 2014