Jennifer:
New dwts host Jennifer says ‘it’s a given’ i will receive wage parity
It’s a given I get paid the same as Nicky...
JENNIFER Zamparelli will pocket the same salary as her Dancing With The Stars co-host Nicky Byrne, she has revealed.
The 38-year-old 2fm star will replace Amanda Byram when the RTE ratings hit returns in January.
When asked if she will be paid the same as the Westlife star, Jennifer told the Irish Mirror: “I think that’s just a given.”
The Dubliner said she has also wage parity with her Breakfast Republic co-presenters Bernard O’shea and Keith Walsh, whom she has been working with since 2014.
Jennifer added: “Fortunately for me, especially working with the lads five years ago, it was just a given we were all going to be equally paid.
“It was all very openly discussed before we got our contracts and was just fortunate for me and for them.
“You’re entering into a partnership, whether that’s with a male or female, so I think honesty with your partners in that business relationship is vital if you do not want communication – or the partnership – to break down.”
The mum-of-two said she can’t wait to start working with fellow 2fm star Nicky on the show and confessed she secretly “fancied” the boyband singer as a young girl. When asked if she knew him when they were young, the one-time Apprentice contestant said: “I did. I used to really fancy him but he was going out with Georgina since he was like 14.
“We actually did a football tournament when we were in Baldoyle.
“He doesn’t remember this but I do because I scored the most goals in the tournament but he was given man of the match.
“He was literally around the corner from me.
“When I was about 17, I heard Nicky was starting a boyband and I was like, ‘What, your man who sings karaoke down the racecourse?’ And look at him now.”
When asked if she’s concerned about being censored on what she can say on Dancing With The Stars, Jennifer revealed she’s hoping there’ll be a “bit of an edge” to the new series.
She added: “There’s always a little worry there as it’s a family show but hopefully there’ll be a bit of an edge to it this time around. You can only be yourself but I’m sure I’ll have to be a little bit careful.”
You’re entering into a partnesrhip and honesty is vital
JENNIFER ZAMPARELLI DUBLIN YESTERDAY