I had a crush on Nicky... now he’s my work hubby!
JENNIFER Zamparelli has been confirmed as the new co-host of Dancing With The Stars – where she’ll be keeping her former crush, Nicky Byrne, on his toes.
Yesterday, she said she looks forward to joining the Westlife singer for RTÉ’s third series in the new year – adding the pair live ‘literally around the corner’ from each other and even admitting: ‘I used to really fancy him.’
However, despite being new to the fold, she insisted it is only right she is paid the exact same as Byrne, 40, for the gig.
The former Republic Of Telly funnywoman, 38, replaces Amanda Byram, who had cohosted the first two series.
Jennifer, who has just returned from maternity leave after the birth of her second child, confirmed she will be paid the exact same as Nicky for the hit dancing show, saying: ‘I think that’s just a given. The only instance I’d have a problem with that is the lads, with the radio, because obviously I get paid more than them because I’m better,’ she said jokingly referring to her 2fm Breakfast Republic co-hosts.
The duo’s on-screen dynamic is set to be highly entertaining, but Jennifer is sure boyband heartthrob Nicky will be able to rein in her bold streak, quipping: ‘He’s well able to handle me.’
Trying to keep the new gig under wraps was a challenge for the Bridget And Eamon star who swore her mother and husband to secrecy when she was approached.
‘I haven’t presented anything in a really long time so I’m excited to put my stamp on it,’ the brunette comedy actress enthused about the show.
‘Hopefully, there’ll be a bit of an edge to it this time around...’