UTV’s Julian Simmons launched the search for new faces in Dublin last May and over 500 hopefuls applied for the coveted positions.
The search came to an end this week as Aideen Hand from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan and Mark Keegan from Tallaght in Dublin were chosen and will appear on television screens from New Year’s Day, when Ireland’s newest television channel launches.
Potential presenters from all corners of the country submitted audition videos and, since the deadline for entries closed in August, producers trawled through applications to narrow down a shortlist of finalists, who then auditioned in a live studio setting.
Mary Curtis, Head of Channel at UTV Ireland, said: “We were looking for new faces to front UTV Ireland’s continuity roles – people with a warm disposition and strong personality, which shines through on camera.
“Both Aideen and Mark have exactly what we were looking for. They both have great energy and come across very well on screen. It is great to give up-and-coming talent the opportunity to work in television and we’re all looking forward to seeing them on air in 2015”.
UTV’s Julian Simmons launched the search for new faces in Dublin last May and over 500 hopefuls applied for the coveted positions.
The search came to an end this week as Aideen Hand from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan and Mark Keegan from Tallaght in Dublin were chosen and will appear on television screens from New Year’s Day, when Ireland’s newest television channel launches.
Potential presenters from all corners of the country submitted audition videos and, since the deadline for entries closed in August, producers trawled through applications to narrow down a shortlist of finalists, who then auditioned in a live studio setting.
Mary Curtis, Head of Channel at UTV Ireland, said: “We were looking for new faces to front UTV Ireland’s continuity roles – people with a warm disposition and strong personality, which shines through on camera.
“Both Aideen and Mark have exactly what we were looking for. They both have great energy and come across very well on screen. It is great to give up-and-coming talent the opportunity to work in television and we’re all looking forward to seeing them on air in 2015”.
Aideen Hand, a former primary school teacher, has always had an interest in drama and media, dabbling in radio and digital production over the years.
A keen charity and voluntary worker, she has coached the Carrickmacross Special Olympics Basketball team and school GAA Soccer Teams.
A self-published poet, she also has a huge interest in music, playing the drums, guitar and tin-whistle.
Speaking about her UTV Ireland experience so far, Aideen said: “I applied for Julian’s Search for a Star Competition via email whilst sitting in my local hairdressers. Recording the show reel was great fun. I got my friends and family involved who became the camera crew for the day.
“I edited the piece and sent it off without a second thought. Months later, here I am. It’s exciting to be part of something so new and fresh with UTV Ireland.”
Mark Keegan is a HR executive from Tallaght. Fresh from completing a presenting course with The Park Studio, this is Mark’s first foray into the world of television.
Though Mark didn’t have former television experience, he has spent the last few years performing in the musical circuit across Dublin.
Chatting about life since he got ‘the call’ from UTV Ireland, Mark said: “I am delighted to get the chance to be one of UTV Ireland’s new continuity presenters and to be part of this exciting new venture. The entire process has been fantastic.
“I am counting down the days until the channel launches on the 1st of January and I can’t wait to welcome our viewers each night”.
