COUNTRY music star Lisa McHugh is getting up close and personal with some of Ireland’s most popular music men.
Daniel O’Donnell, Jimmy Buckley, Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan are just some of those who are set to fall for the charms of the Glaswegian songstress.
This autumn the singer, who now lives in Fermanagh, will be finding out just what Ireland’s most-loved performers get up to in their spare time.
As part of a new 10-part series for Irish TV, called On the Road with Lisa, the 26-year-old will be taking country’s musical stars out of their comfort zones as they learn a series of new skills.
Viewers will see Lisa tackling fishing with Nathan Carter, getting a hole in one with Daniel O'Donnell and greyhound training with Jimmy Buckley.
“All our guests give us a real look at their lives off the stage and talk about the up and downs of a career in music,” Lisa said at the launch of Irish TV’s autumn season yesterday (Tuesday, August 26). “Presenting a country music show is a dream come true.”
Head of Broadcast Malachi Cush also confirmed the station’s flagship show County Matters would be expanding to the US.
“It has been a very exciting year for Irish TV as we have watched our programming and viewership grow since our launch in May,” he added.
“Our County Matters programmes have provided the groundwork for us, and we are delighted to announce that we will be expanding this series to California, New York, Cleveland and Chicago to connect with the strong Irish communities in each of these locations.”
Irish TV, which has British bases in London, Manchester and Liverpool, started broadcasting in May.
It is backed by London Irish business man John Griffin, who sold his minicab company Addison Lee for £300million last year.
It’s new season’s schedule will also see Country music legends Foster and Allen linking in with artists such as X Factor winner Shayne Ward on their new weekly show.
At yesterday’s launch in Dublin they were the latest stars to accept an ice bucket challenge from Ward, which was poured over their heads on the steps of The Shelbourne Hotel by Lisa McHugh and Clodagh Higgins, wife of One Direction tour manager Paul Higgins.
Also among those joining the channel this autumn is journalist Dave Kenny and author Emma Heatherington, who will share some of her favourite childhood stories on educational kids’ series Storytime.
While travel show Kenny Wild will see Dave ditch the comforts of home for the road trip of a lifetime along the Wild Atlantic Way – taking on a series of challenges along the way.
Taking to Irish TV screens too will be The Fashion Sisters, Tyrone natives Anita and Donna Ross, who will keep viewers are up-to-date with the latest fashion trends and beauty tips as well as showcasing boutiques from across Britain and Ireland.
Irish TV, which has its HQ in Co. Mayo and broadcasts on Sky Channel 191, will also be providing coverage from the National Ploughing Championships and the build up to the All-Ireland GAA Finals.
