Amanda Byram

Amanda Byram (born 16 June 1973) is an Irish television presenter and former model, best known for co-presenting BBC One game show ''Total Wipeout'' with Richard Hammond, the Irish version of ''Dancing with the Stars'' on RTÉ1 and for hosting American television shows, ''The Swan'' and ''Paradise Hotel''.

Early life

Formerly a model, Byram started her career on television in 1999 presenting the TV3 morning show ''Ireland AM'' with Mark Cagney, during which time she met her then-boyfriend, comedian Patrick Kielty.

Television career

Soon afterwards she began appearing on British television, initially as a host on ''The Big Breakfast'' on Channel 4 in 2001 and subsequently appeared as a guest host on ''Liquid News'' on BBC Three in 2002. She also presented the UK edition of ''Entertainment Tonight'', which aired on Sky One.

Having broken up with Kielty, she relocated to the United States, choosing to base herself in Los Angeles. Numerous TV presenting roles followed including the reality television series ''Paradise Hotel'', in 2003 and 2008.

In 2004, Byram was set to host the Fox reality television special '' Seriously, Dude, I'm Gay'', however, it was abruptly shelved eleven days before its premiere following backlash from the media monitoring organization GLAAD. Speaking on the special's cancellation, Byram commented: "Of course it is always disappointing when things don’t air, but TV and the FCC is very sensitive right now, and I roll with the decisions made by the Fox network, as they have been and continue to be very supportive to me."

In 2007 she co-hosted, along with Dennis Miller, the Game Show Network programme ''Grand Slam'', a US version of the British quiz format. She has also worked on ''The Swan'', a beauty show following 3 unattractive women who turn their life around by having an extreme makeover. She also appeared as a special guest on '' Anonymous'' in 2009.

She hosted the Meteor Music Awards at the RDS, Dublin on 17 March 2009 and appeared on '' The Cafe'' on 30 January to publicise her selection.

She has co-hosted the British gameshow ''Total Wipeout'' alongside Richard Hammond, from 3 January 2009. After 5 series and 1 Winter series, the final episode was aired on 31 December 2012.

She also regularly co-hosted '' Something for the Weekend'' with Tim Lovejoy, standing in for Louise Redknapp, as well as standing in for Lovejoy on its replacement series, ''Sunday Brunch''.

In 2010, she appeared in one episode of '' Supersize vs Superskinny'', helping Anna Richardson get the perfect body. On 6 August 2010, Byram presented '' This Morning'' with Paddy McGuinness.

Byram was a guest on the first episode of the BBC One panel game ''Ask Rhod Gilbert''.

On 8 January 2011, Byram appeared in an episode of BBC One show '' The Magicians''. As the celebrity on the losing team, she had to endure the forfeit trick at the end of the episode, being sawn in half by a 36-inch diameter buzz saw without any boxes covering her body.

Byram hosted a new TV show for Sky 1 HD, called ''Don't Stop Me Now'', in 2012. The first episode aired on 18 March 2012.

On 31 May 2013, Byram presented '' This Morning'' with Jake Humphrey.

In November 2016, it was reported and later confirmed that Byram would host the Irish version of ''Dancing with the Stars'' alongside Nicky Byrne. The series started in January 2017 on RTÉ One and is based on the format of the original British TV series ''Strictly Come Dancing''. On 28 August 2018, after two series, Byram confirmed that she would not be returning as a presenter in 2019.

Other events

Byram hosted the ''Miss World'' pageant in 2003 and briefly appeared in David Hewlett's 2006 film ''A Dog's Breakfast''.

In January and February 2011 she presented selected '' Strictly Come Dancing Live!'' shows across different locations. Kate Thornton presented the shows that Byram missed.

She also appeared in the music video for Joe Dolan and Dustin the Turkey's song "Good Looking Woman", in 1997.

Personal life

Before she moved to the United States, Byram dated comedian Patrick Kielty. Currently living in Fulham, South-west London, she was engaged to former rugby union player Craig McMullen. However, she announced in January 2012 that she had split from him.

Since April 2014, she has been in a relationship with Julian Okines, a creative content producer. In December 2015, they announced their engagement, and they got married in April 2016. Byram gave birth to their son named Phoenix in November 2021.

She adheres to a vigorous fitness routine and is known for being proud of her physique.

References

External links

Official website
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Byram, Amanda
1973 births
20th-century Irish people
21st-century Irish people
Living people
Ireland AM hosts
Irish female models
Irish game show hosts
Irish infotainers
Television personalities from Dublin (city)
People from Castleknock