Kielty-owned TV company to replace Open House

A COMPANY co-owned by comedian Patrick Kielty has won the contract to replace RTÉ’s popular afternoon TV show, Open House.

The Belfast-based Green Inc Film and Television Ltd will produce a new show to be broadcast in the afternoons on RTÉ One from October next until April 2005.

RTÉ said the format and presenters would be announced “at a later date”. It is thought, however, that Kielty will not be one of the presenters.

Instead, speculation has focused on RTÉ radio presenter Joe Duffy and Today FM’s Ian Dempsey, who is well-versed in the television world, having worked for RTÉ for several years.

RTÉ said no one had yet been ruled in or out for the show, which is likely to have a female focus and will come live from the national broadcaster’s studios.

Green Inc was set up in 1996 by Kielty and colleagues Stephen Stewart and Harry Carvill.

It has produced a wide range of programming for Irish and British channels, including “It’s Not The Answer” and “It’s A Family Affair” for RTÉ.

“Green Inc delivered a highly-persuasive and impressive pitch,” said RTÉ programmes’ director Clare Duignan.

“As well as having an excellent track record in television production, they demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the needs of the daytime viewer and an awareness of the type of content and programming that will appeal to this slot’s broad and loyal audience.”

Meanwhile, work is progressing at RTÉ on several other new shows.

In addition to the Green Inc programme, RTÉ is planning another afternoon show for the autumn. It has invited tenders for “a daily, topical discussion programme”.

Rose of Tralee compere Ryan Tubridy, meanwhile, will host a new programme, Tubridy Tonight, on Saturday nights. The series will start in October, and will run for 10 weeks on a trial basis. Former Miss Ireland Amanda Brunker will present a new reality TV show on Network 2, also starting in October.