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23rd Jul 2015

RTÉ Axe Nicky Byrne’s Million Euro Challenge

It's bad news for the former Westlife star.

Rebecca McKnight

He might be the Golden Boy at 2fm after a big jump in JNLR ratings, but Nicky Byrne’s TV career with the national broadcaster is not going quite so well.

The Million Euro Challenge, fronted by the former Westlife singer, has been axed.

In a statement a spokesperson for RTÉ said: “RTÉ confirms that Winning Streak will continue into Autumn in place of Nicky Byrne’s Million Euro Challenge.”

The series was introduced to viewers in January. At the time, John McHugh, Head of Entertainment for RTÉ Television said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Nicky Byrne as the presenter of our new National Lottery TV gameshow, The Million Euro Challenge. Lottery gameshows have a special place in the hearts of Irish audiences. I think we enjoy watching contestants’ good fortune on these shows. The new show will give contestants the opportunity to win up to a million euro every week. I have no doubt that Nicky’s energy and enthusiasm will really enhance the appeal of The Million Euro Challenge.”

The show got off to a bumpy start, however, with viewers finding the game rules confusing and complicated. As a result, ratings in the prime-time Saturday night slot suffered.

Byrne has yet to comment on the news.