Our Louis has talent for making a grand gesture

HE’S spent decades in showbiz – but Louis Walsh is as excited as ever to take on the role of judge in TV3’s Ireland’s Got Talent. Pictured with fellow judges Michelle Visage, Denise Van Outen and Jason Byrne at Tuesday’s launch of TV3’s spring schedule, Louis said he loved filming the series. Incidentally, the music mogul is giving away his Mercedes G Wagon as part of the top prize. Still, with his fee from the show, he can afford a new runaround… MEANWHILE, fellow judge Michelle Visage has revealed that she is no stranger to these shores – even if her Ireland’s Got Talent base in Drogheda is uncharted territory for the LA entertainer. ‘I used to be on 2FM with Dusty Rhodes back in the day,’ she said. ‘I didn’t really get around. But when

I’m here in March for the live shows, I’ll get around the country.’ TV3 is staying silent on the issue of Blind Date after Al Porter’s sudden departure. Six episodes, taped with Porter at the helm before claims of sexual harassment were levelled at the star, are still in the vaults. This week, TV3 director of programming Bill Malone opted not to answer questions on the show’s future. But sources have indicated that TV3 are planning to ‘play the waiting game’, and see how the Al Porter situation plays out. ‘It would be preemptive to make a decision now,’ said a source. ‘They are adopting a wait and see approach.’ THE space on the Ireland AM couch left after Sinéad Desmond quit in a row over pay has yet to be filled, permanently. But the station are interviewing for the role and are, I am told, due to make an announcement in the coming weeks. Ciara O’Doherty, left, has been doing a stellar job and she is firm favourite with viewers and the rest of the Ireland Am team. GLENDA Gilson was sporting a deep tan when she pitched up at the TV3 launch. Fresh from a break in the Maldives, Glenda said she couldn’t wait to start hosting duties on Ireland’s Got Mór Talent, a companion piece to Ireland’s Got Talent. Saying she isn’t in a rush to have babies –just yet – the former model said she is loving married life and was over the moon to land the new presenting gig.