Ray D'Arcy is leaving Today FM to return to RTÉ.
In a statement on Sunday, Today FM said D’Arcy was leaving the station to take up a television and radio presenter role with the national broadcaster where he worked for 13 years.
D’Arcy will present a daily programme on RTÉ Radio 1 at 3pm, The Ray D’Arcy Show, which will replace Derek Mooney’s programme. He is rejoining the broadcaster in the New Year and his new show will air on February 2nd.
Yes, the news is true. Ray's leaving the station. We wish him all the best & thank him for laughter, tears & amazing radio. #raydarcy
— Today FM (@todayfmofficial) December 7, 2014He will also work on television projects in RTÉ next year.
Speaking about the move, Today FM chief executive, Peter McPartlin, said he was disappointed to lose the presenter.
“I understand from Ray that at this time in his career he wishes to work on television again with the State Broadcaster. I want to thank him for his great contribution and wish him and his family well with his new venture. We move on as a station and begin the process of establishing another great show on Today FM.”
Head of RTÉ Radio 1 Tom McGuire said it was great to welcome the presenter back after 14 years.
“I look forward to him being at the heart of our afternoon schedule on Radio 1. I know that Ray will take the torch from Liveline and it will shine brightly for our audience right through to 4.30pm,” he said.
“As a broadcaster, his programme has been one of the top performers in the country and I know that listeners to Radio 1 and Ray D’Arcy will really enjoy the latest addition to an exciting RTÉ Radio 1 schedule in 2015.”
Ray D’Arcy said he was excited about the move saying it felt a “bit like coming home”.