Lottie Ryan set to leave RTÉ for new Virgin Television role

[Dominique Farrell]

Lottie Ryan is set to leave RTÉ at the end of the summer to take up a new job as the co-host of Virgin Media Television’s The Six O’Clock Show.

The broadcaster will join Brian Dowling Gourounlian on the week night programme from the autumn.

Lottie Ryan is the eldest daughter of the late RTÉ broadcaster Gerry Ryan, and takes over the role following the departure of Katja Mia, who left the show in April to join RTÉ 2FM’s afternoon schedule alongside Laura Fox.

She has previously appeared as a guest on The Six O’Clock Show and will now become a permanent part of the presenting line-up.

 

Lottie Ryan said:

 

"I’ve always loved the show and having been a guest on the Six Sofa before, it feels really special to now be a part of the team," she added.

"I’m really looking forward to getting started, working alongside Brian and the brilliant crew behind the scenes, and I can’t wait for viewers to see what we have in store. There’s plenty of fun ahead."

 

Speaking about her departure from RTÉ, Dan Healy, head of RTÉ 2FM and RTÉ Digital Audio Strategy said:

 

"Lottie has been a huge part of 2FM, talented, versatile, resilient and most importantly a lovely person.

"She has one of the great surnames in Irish broadcasting history but leaves 2FM simply known as Lottie....that is all you need know about how well she has carried herself professionally and personally."

 

Brian Dowling Gourounlian has presented The Six O'Clock Show full-time since November 2023.

He said:

 

"I am really excited to welcome Lottie to The Six O’Clock Show. We’re going to have great fun over the next coming months.

"Tune in Monday to Friday and catch all the action really soon. Let’s go, go, go."

 

Anthony Nilan, Virgin Media Television’s director of programming, said:

 

“Lottie Ryan’s appointment marked "an exciting new chapter" for the show.

"We’re really delighted to have Lottie join Virgin Media and The Six O’Clock Show," he said.

"She’s a brilliant broadcaster who connects so well with audiences. I can’t wait for viewers to see Brian and Lottie together."

 

Lottie Ryan is a familiar voice to RTÉ 2FM listeners and has worked across the station for a number of years.

She won the fourth series of Dancing with the Stars in 2020 with professional dancer Pasquale La Rocca, and has also presented the official podcast for the RTÉ One competition.

 

RTÉ has been contacted for comment on whether Lottie Ryan will continue in her role at 2FM.

 

The Six O’Clock Show airs on weeknights at 6pm on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Play.

 

RTÉ Entertainment.