Cross-party 'boyband' join charity TV show
Four cross-party politicians are joining forces and their singing voices in the name of charity, it emerged today.
The budding boyband from the Dáil will form part of the latest celebrity line-up for this year’s Charity You’re A Star.
Billy Kelleher TD (FF), Senator Frank Feighan (FG), Dan Boyle TD (Greens), Senator Michael McCarthy (Labour) are among the well-known faces from the worlds of entertainment, sport and politics getting ready to sing for survival.
The foursome are hoping to raise thousands of euro for The Irish Hospice Foundation.
The show returns to television screens, and the Helix, following its hugely successful debut in 2005.
Back by popular demand, 10 acts will be singing their hearts out for the top spot.
This year’s star line up includes television presenter Kathryn Thomas, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland player John Aldridge, model Gayle Kaneswaren, TG4 weatherman Daithi O’Se, RTE sports commentator Shane O’Donoghue, Fair City actor Maclean Burke, and Aine Ni Dhroighneain from TG4’s Ros na Run.
Duo’s taking part feature Dublin tailor-to-the-stars, Louis Copeland, and soccer manager, Roddy Collins, taking on Fair City’s Una Crawford and Bryan Murray (Renee and Bob in the show).
Putting the contestants through their paces will be judges Brendan O’Connor, singer Linda Martin and the talent spotting Louis Walsh.
Last year more than 300,000 euro was collected during the series for charities, which was won by Fair City’s David Mitchell.
This year’s show, presented by Derek Mooney, will again raise much needed funds for a host of the nominated charities including Dublin’s three children’s hospitals, cancer charities, The National Council of the Blind and Make A Wish Foundation.
Head of Entertainment for RTE, Kevin Linehan said: “We are delighted to be bringing back Charity You’re A Star – it proved to be a huge winner not just with the audiences last year but also with all the Irish charities that benefited.”
Former finalist, Finian McGrath, has sent his wishes to all his Oireachtas colleagues taking part in the show.
“There is a lot of hidden talent in the Dail and Seanad,” said the Independent TD, who came second last year.
“I am backing them one hundred percent even though we might fight politically, It’s a bit of fun and we are supporting worthwhile causes,” added the veteran of last year’s show.
The shows begins on Saturday, July 29, at 6.30pm and will be broadcast on RTE nine nights over two weeks.
