No hard feelings from Grainne as Kathryn tells of The Voice job joy

CONGRATS: Seoige sends message of support after losing out to rival

Melanie Finn and Laura Butler

Kathryn Thomas has already been swotting up on the American version of The Voice ahead of her hot new TV role.

Speaking to the Herald today about landing the presenting role on the Voice Of Ireland, Kathryn said how she has been watching the US version to get a feel for the programme.

"It's a great series. I'm a big fan of the American series. I have seen it and think it's great," she said.

"The sentiment behind the show is great as it's all about people's voices and how they sound, not their looks."

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Although she has lost the battle to bag the hosting job of RTE's The Voice, Grainne Seoige has no hard feelings.

Despite losing out to rival Kathryn, Grainne has taken to Twitter to applaud the star.

"Congrats and well done @gokathrynthomas agus @eoghanmcdermo Go for it guys! Beir bua Xx"

The starting format of the programme sees the aspiring stars performing auditions where the judges can't see their faces.

Holidaying this week in Ibiza with her other half Enda Waters, she added how she was "completely thrilled" with the new role.

"It's a huge gig for me, a really big step. It's the kind of show that I've always long to host. I can't wait," she said.

But she has also admitted how she has "lots of balls in the air at the moment" given that she already fronts Operation Transformation and Winning Streak.

Her holiday will be her last big break before she enters a hectic schedule of filming in the autumn.

As the new darling of Irish TV, Kathryn will host two prime time shows on RTE over the weekend.

Party girl Kathryn (32) will have to put her social life on the back burner with her hectic schedule as the host of two weekend shows -- which includes RTE's biggest talent show ever staged.

It was announced that the chatty presenter landed her dream job last night -- putting an end to weeks of speculation that 'frontrunner' Grainne Seoige would be given a major new role by the broadcaster.

Grainne, who recently left her job as features editor on ITV's struggling Daybreak, is working on five projects for RTE including Modern Life, sports quiz Put Them Under Pressure, GAA specials Up For The Match, garda show Crimecall and The People Of The Year Awards.

Despite giving up her spot on No Frontiers, Kathryn has won herself much credit and applause from Irish viewers, after she took over from the late Gerry Ryan on hit diet series Operation Transformation.

"Kathryn is an exceptional talent who has been a dynamic and versatile host on some of RTE One's most popular programmes," Bill Malone, RTE's commissioning editor said.

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"I look forward to her bringing more of that magic to our screens on The Voice Of Ireland."

It is said the Carlow presenter won out over rival Grainne after producers were particularly pleased with her screen test for The Voice.

Kathryn will make a comeback to her position on Winning Streak in September.

hnews@herald.ie

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