TV presenter Brian Dowling Gourounlian has said he and his co-host, Katja Mia, are "just so happy that we're here" as Virgin Media's The Six O'Clock Show celebrates ten years on air.
The entertainment show has been a viewer favourite for a decade, with a mix of celebrity chats with national and international guests, food from the country's top chefs, musical performances from a multitude of artists, and regular experts on everything from consumer affairs to the latest trends.
"We're only in here a year and a bit and we're already at this ten year milestone - and we get to be the faces," she laughed.
She added: "But I also think it's important to give credit to all of the presenters who have gone before us because they've built this fanbase. People are so loyal to this show and we've been welcomed with open arms. It's been such a privilege and we've so much fun with it. We're really going to lean into this tenth birthday and make it our thing."
Dowling Gourounlian reckons the show's success and loyal fanbase is down to it ticking a box for everyone.
"It's always had a really good consistent audience because the show is fun and entertaining. I think it ticks a box for everyone," he said.
He added: "People watch television now so, so differently and the show has evolved in those ten years and it has had so many different presenters. We're just so happy that we're here."
Former Ireland AM host Mia praised Dowling Gourounlian for being "such a pro" and admits they bonded instantly.
"Brian has his routine and I feel like I embrace it. I'm so new to this industry and Brian has come in with all of his steps and bits he does before we go live".
Discussing their first live show together, she added: "I loved his energy, he was so well prepared and such a pro. We bonded straight away."
The former Big Brother star said he's at the stage in his life where "I don't want to fake it" and said he thinks the viewers can see that.
"When you're in someone's life so much - five days a week, 45 weeks a year contractually - you have to like the person," he said. "I'm at that stage in my life where I don't want to fake it, and I don't want to pretend. I want it to be genuine and I think viewers see that."
Mia said: "We actually went to Eurovision week. I would say for myself Danny [O'Carroll] and Salome [Chachua] are incredible. Also, Gearóid [Farrelly] and Stephen [Vincent] are great".
Dowling Gourounlian added: "Yeah, I'd love it to go to Gearóid because he's so lovely. Stephen was on my season of the show back in 2020. Gearóid really is on a journey and he's getting better each week," he said.
"Again, visibility is key. It's so amazing to see two men dancing together on the biggest show on Irish telly on a Sunday evening. Gearóid and Stephen for the win!"
The Six O'Clock Show airs Monday to Friday from 6:05pm – 7pm on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One.
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