TV3, Ireland's independent TV network, today celebrated the new autumn season of programming in style at a launch held at The Morrison Hotel earlier today. A host of famous faces were on hand to see the first glimpse of what entertainment will be on offer.
TV3 enjoys being the second most watched station in Ireland and this autumn sees the introduction of many top quality new shows, including Revelations, Committed and Hell's Kitchen USA. The ever popular X-Factor and Pop Idol are also returning.
One of the most interesting new commissions however will be a brand new prime time talk show. Filmed weekly from a Dublin venue, in front of an invited audience, the one hour entertainment show will also take a wry look at the week's news and bring some unexpected twists as the host unleashes comedy challenges and stunts on the public. Sounds rather Graham Norton to me, but that remains to be seen.
As Matthew Sallway, Director of Programming, announced this there was immeadiate speculation as to who the presenter was to be. That was until none other that Brendan Courtney was revealed. Brendan, who has been forging a successful career in the UK of late, will return to our screens with this exciting mix of entertainment in the near future and told me that he's very excited about it and looking forward to being on Irish TV again. Did I mention Graham Norton already?!
Among those enjoying the event were Maura Derrane, Mark Cagney and Debbie O'Donnell of breakfast show Ireland AM (who I am hoping to join again, as Fashion Stylist, later this year); news anchors Claire Byrne, Alan Cantwell, Colette Fitzpatrick and Elaine Crowley. TV3 Chairman James Morris was also there, as was Laura Bermingham, Martin King and Sybill Mulcahy.
TV presenter and columnist Amanda Brunker was looking pretty in pink, as was model Ciara Bailey. Making a special appearance for the launch were Coronation Street stars Susie Blake (who plays Bev Unwin) and Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Brown); Kelvin Fletcher (who plays Andy Sugden) and Charley Webb (Debbie Dingle) from Emmerdale and Liz May Brice, Rebecca Hazelwood and Antonia Okonma from Bad Girls.
