LOTTIE Ryan has spoken out over RTE portraying her as the face of the new RTE 2FM summer schedule.
The Irish Sun first revealed on Monday how the daughter of Gerry Ryan had told pals she felt "devastated" and "used" after RTE chiefs announced her as the face of the new 2FM Summer Schedule with new show 2FM Drive with Lottie and David.
3
3
3
The 38-year-old has now confirmed that the term "summer schedule" led to confusion over her new gig.
And Lottie and David are due to wrap up their stint next Friday July 5.
Lottie posted on Instagram today: "The 'summer schedule' has led to some confusion. To clarify - the plan was always for short term cover, and I knew this from the start. The phrase 'summer schedule' has led to all this confusion.
"I'm not going anywhere and am very much a part of 2FM. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the incredible Drive team and its been an absolute joy working with such amazing people. Thank for your support."
READ MORE IN 2FM
However the RTE release billed as "2FM is the Soundtrack to your Summer Season", made no mention that Lottie was only providing short-term cover when it bigged up the new show telling listeners: "Lottie Ryan and David O’Reilly will present Monday-Friday on 2FM Drive with Lottie and David.
"The ultimate messers, Lottie and David are set to make the nation's commute a lot brighter and happier with great tunes, giveaways and giggles all the way home from 3-6pm."
The mix-up led to the Dancing With The Stars winner getting congratulated by friends and colleagues after finally landing her own show on 2FM replacing The 2 Johnnies after working there for 14 years.
Pals say Lottie faced career damage from the perception that she was axed after being told she was being told that TikTok lip syncer Kayleigh Trappe was to replace her on the new show.
Most read in Celebrity
TOUGH TIMES Dave Matthews Band ex-violinist Boyd Tinsley arrested for DUI after car crash
RADIO RUN Inside Donncha's family life and love for wife as he makes shock exit from 2FM
MUSIC TRAGEDY Crazy Town star dies suddenly as tributes pour in for rap rock band frontman
The daughter of Gerry Ryan spoke out to stress that this had only ever been a stand-in role and she had never been part of the summer schedule.
Lottie said: "I wanted to clear up some recent headlines about my role at 2FM. When it was announced that I would be taking over Drive, it was always agreed between myself and my bosses that this would be a five-week stint."
RTE star Lottie Ryan shares adorable throwback video of 'first TV appearance' on The Den
As predicted by The Irish Sun, Lottie will leave her new Drivetime slot next Friday July 5.
Co-host David showed his support, posting: "I love Lottie! I love the entire team at RTE 2FM and am so proud to be a part of it!
"Getting asked to do Drive for five weeks was the greatest opportunity and one I'm so grateful for."
Lottie previously filled in for Jennifer Zamparelli on 2FM's Breakfast Republic Show for nine months without being asked to promote it with a photo-shoot.
It's understood that neither Lottie or the team on 2FM Drive with Lottie and David were consulted on the summer schedule press release.
Asked by us last Sunday about this, RTE told The Irish Sun they had "no comment".
LOTTIE'S STATEMENT IN FULL
"I wanted to clear up some recent headlines about my role at 2FM.
"When it was announced that I would be taking over Drive, it was always agreed between myself and my bosses that this would be for a five-week stint.
"The term 'summer schedule' has led to some confusion, implying a 12-week duration.
"To clarify - the plan was always for a short-term cover, and I knew this from the start.
"The phrase 'summer schedule' has led to all this confusion. I'm not going anywhere and am very much a part of 2FM .
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with the incredible Drive team and it's been an absolute joy working with such amazing people."
Lottie, married to husband Fabio Aprile with whom she shares son Wolf, born in 2021, kicked off her career as a reporter on 2FM's Colm Hayes Show and did stints on RTE One's Daily Show before becoming 2FM's showbiz reporter.
In 2020, she scooped the Glitterball on Dancing With The Stars, later hosting a DWTS podcast but losing out on the job of co-host to Doireann Garrihy in2022.
Lottie has received plenty of support from followers after announcing the news, with one dubbing her a "superstar".
Another added: "Love listening to you, regardless of what form you appear in!"
A third said: "You go girl. Love you on 2FM."
