'A dream come true' for Irish TikTok star as he lands gig as Ireland AM's newest presenter
Ireland AM's weekend line gets a shake-up as the show welcomes a fresh new face to its weekend roster
Ireland AM has unveiled its newest presenter, with a familiar face to viewers officially joining the weekend line-up.
Donegal native and TikTok sensation Eric Roberts has been announced as a permanent co-host of the Virgin Media breakfast show, where he will present alongside Elaine Crowley and Martin King every Saturday and Sunday.
It comes as Síomha Ní Ruairc confirmed her departure from the programme, creating the opening that Roberts has now stepped into. The How to Gael star and her ex-UFC-turned-actor husband, Cathal Pendred, are currently pregnant with their first child.
Ni Ruairc took to Instagram on Wednesday to share the news with fans: "After two amazing years I'm taking a step away from Ireland AM. Between the early starts and the other projects I'm working on, it's the best decision for me right now."
Roberts has become a familiar face to viewers over the past few months, having regularly stepped in as a stand-in presenter during the summer. Before that, he appeared in a number of lifestyle and entertainment segments on the show.
The social media star, who has amassed a large following with his sharp humour and relatable family content, will now make the move to Dublin with his wife Niamh and their young son Rían.
At the same time, the young couple are also in the middle of building their dream home back in Donegal.
Announcing the news on Instagram, Roberts shared behind-the-scenes footage from a recent photoshoot with his fellow presenters.
In the clip, he told fans: "The news is finally out and I still can't quite believe it, but I am officially the newest presenter on Ireland AM. This is obviously a dream come true."
He added that the milestone felt "so surreal" given how his career began.
"I've worked incredibly hard over the last couple of years but to be given this opportunity on such a huge show is incredible.
"To go from making a few TikToks to being an actual presenter on television is just so surreal and I am so, so grateful for the opportunity."
Roberts went on to thank his new colleagues for their support: "Everyone at Virgin Media and on the show has been so, so welcoming and I just can't wait to get started. Very excited for this next chapter of my life."
He signed off with a simple call to viewers: "Make sure you're tuning in!"