UTV has launched a search for new talent to be the face of the channel when it begins broadcasting in the Republic in January.
The channel's well-known continuity announcer Julian Simmons (62) was in Dublin yesterday to launch the search.
"We are looking for people who have got a bit of personality and a bit of 'oomph," he said.
"The lovely thing is the people in Dublin have the gift of the gab, and that is what we are looking for. Another Craig Doyle would be the dream candidate."
He also said that he believes UTV will launch successfully in the Republic, despite stiff competition from the three other stations, TV3, RTÉ Two and RTÉ One.
"We have such a great line-up of programmes that are much admired," he said.
Simmons, a former air steward who has worked at UTV since 1990, added that he is hoping to do more work in Dublin when the channel launch their new studios here next year.
