GMTV star Grainne Seoige's still our girl, insists RTE

But, despite her frequent appearances on the UK show, the Irish broadcaster has insisted the station's relationship with Grainne is still good.

The star is now filling in until next Friday for former tennis champ Dan Lobb, who is the station's regular sports presenter. She has obviously impressed GMTV bosses, given they have asked her to temporarily take over the plum sports position.

A spokesperson for GMTV said they were bowled over with the star's easy manner in front of the camera.

"Grainne was popular with viewers when she covered the Cheltenham races with Dan for us a few weeks ago and so we were thrilled that she could cover all the sports news for us whilst Dan is away this week. She has done great stuff for us," he said.

The Galwegian (36) set tongues wagging about whether she could be spending more time working with the hit show, which pulls in an impressive 13 million viewers per week.

When asked about the arrangement that permits her, as a staff member, to work for other stations, an RTE spokeswoman said they "don't comment on any relationships with staff or independent contractors".

She added: "I can confirm, however, that we have an ongoing relationship with Grainne Seoige."

Grainne has worked in the UK before, presenting Sky news bulletins in London.