VIRGIN Media host Tommy Bowe was delighted to welcome back an Ireland AM star on air this morning.
The former rugby star presented the hit morning show today alongside Muireann O’Connell and Karen Koster, who was filling in for Alan Hughes.
Tommy and Karen welcomed Catherine Leyden back on air[/caption]
Catherine Leyden baked some delicious treats on air[/caption]
Karen filled in for Alan on air today[/caption]
And chef Catherine Leyden, who has been appearing on the show for over 22 years, was busy on set in the kitchen today.
Catherine made some delicious Bakewell tart slices for Karen and Tommy.
The co-hosts welcomed Catherine during her segment as Tommy said: “Good morning. I haven’t seen you in ages.”
Catherine replied: “I know, I’ve been missing for a while but I’m back.”
Tommy responded saying: “I know, it’s good to see you.”
And after Catherine was done demonstrating how to bake her delicious dessert, Tommy and Karen got to tuck in – and they both loved it.
The dad-of-two said: “That’s fab. They’re delicious. Thanks so much Catherine, great to see you again.”
Karen took a bite and said: “Oh, they’re a real winner.”
Tommy is married to former Miss Wales Lucy and the couple share two kids together, Emma, 7, and Jamie, 4.
He juggles early starts on the popular morning show with a busy work schedule, all while raising two kids with his wife.
The pair tied the knot on June 14, 1015, in Lucy’s home country during an intimate ceremony at the Corran Resort and Spa in Camrathenshire.
They will be celebrating ten years of marriage this month and Tommy has said they packed a lot into the past decade.
HONEST TOMMY
In an interview with RSVP Magazine, he said: “It’s amazing – we’ve packed an awful lot into that decade between rugby, retirement and starting in television.
“Obviously having two kids as well and so many other things. It’s been a mad 10 years. We’ve enjoyed that time, it’s been exciting and fun for us as a family. We’re looking forward to the next decade.”
Three years after marrying, Tommy would hang up his boots in favour of a microphone as he began a career in television.
The 40-year-old host has been presenting Ireland AM since 2020 after being a rugby pundit.
Speaking about life at home, Tommy has said the couple make it work thanks to mutual respect.
He said: “The respect between the two of us, that’s the most important thing. Lucy respects that I’m up and gone every morning. And I fully respect her, she’s a nurse and she’s at home with the kids. She’s got a much more difficult job than I have.
“I’m living the life going off and catching up with friends, whereas she has to get the kids up and out every morning. I don’t envy that. The respect we have for each other is so important.”
