Lorraine Keane said it feels like the end of an era as it was announced Xpose has officially been axed after 12 years on air.
The show’s original presenter, who dubbed the programme “her baby”. also expressed her sadness for the presenters who have lost their jobs.
Speaking to Irish Daily Mirror after the news broke, Lorraine said: “It was my baby. It is very sad. It feels like an end of an era to be honest.
“I worked in TV3 for nine years doing entertainment on my own as an entertainment correspondent.
“And it took me a long time to convince them to make a standalone entertainment and fashion show and yeah it is sad now.”
The Virgin Media Television show has seen a number of changes and reformats over the years, seeing the episodes drop from five nights a week to just one hour-long episode on Friday.
But there was shock throughout the showbiz world when news broke the hit show, currently fronted by Cassie Stokes, Glenda Gilson and Nadine Reid, will cease broadcasting on Friday, October 4.
Lorraine, who started out as the original anchor before she parted ways with the show for good in 2009 to spend more time with her kids said: “I hope the girls are OK. I know in the time I was there all I have is fond memories of amazing experiences of travelling the world and fabulous people.
“I know it has given those experiences to lots of other journalists as well since I left and I hope that it is not the last we see of the current presenters and hopefully there will be something else. There is still a massive appetite for it in Ireland.”
Lorraine, who is still good friends with the team, added she will contact the girls for moral support.
She said: “We were all out last Saturday night for our anniversary and it is a shock. It is very sad.”
Virgin Media Television also confirmed yesterday that ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women, will end their run on the same day.
Managing director Pat Kiely said: “I would like to pay tribute to the Xpose team and all who worked on the show over the last 12 years.
“It set the standard for entertainment reporting in an era before the proliferation of social media and leaves behind a genuine legacy in Irish entertainment journalism.”
