'It's been a pure joy' - Gráinne Seoige leaves Ireland AM to film Love Island style show

Gráinne Seoige has left popular morning programme Ireland AM to film a Love Island style show. 

The Irish presenter - who fronted the programme every Friday, Saturday and Sunday alongside Martin King and Síomha Ní Ruairc - confirmed the news on her personal Instagram yesterday (June 4), but hinted at an eventual return. 

She said, "And just like that my last weekend for a while on Ireland AM is done! Síómha Ní Ruairc and myself are heading off to An Ghaeltacht to make season 2 of Grá ar an Trá with James Kavanagh." 

She continued, "Thank you to everyone on the Ireland AM team, it’s been a pure joy and especially to Martin King 'fintistic'." 

Grá ar an Trá is a new dating programme now in its second season which follows twelve love-seekers as they attempt to learn the Irish language, with only one of each couple a fluent speaker. Six men and six women compete to couple up and win a €10,000 prize, alongside being crowned 'Couple with the most Focail'. 

Dozens of fans commented on Seoige's post, with one person stating, "Not going to be the same without you. You bring a level of professionalism and beauty that is unmatched by anyone else." 

Another commented, "Hoping you’ll be back on Ireland AM again, please say you will be." 

Another person wrote, "Hope you'll be back Gráinne." 

Co-presenter Ní Ruairc confirmed she is also leaving to work on the Irish language dating programme, stating, "Last day of school vibes! What a joyous couple of months with this gang. Now myself and Gráinne are heading off to film another project for a bit and then I’ve a bit of an occasion myself towards the end of the month…

"Thank you SO much to the best crew and team Ireland AM for the bláthanna and never ending help and FUN in this deadly job. Grá mór and see you in July!"