Eric Roberts starts his mornings early, around 6am, cherishing quiet moments with his 13-month-old son, Rían. This precious time includes reading books and playing games before grabbing his first coffee to prepare for the day ahead at the Ireland AM studio.
By 8am, Eric arrives at the studio, heads to hair and make-up, and reviews his notes to get ready for the live broadcast. The Ireland AM show airs from 9am to 12pm, offering a fast-paced and unpredictable environment where Eric interviews diverse guests and covers a variety of topics, ranging from light-hearted activities like drag spin classes to more serious discussions.
The Dynamic Atmosphere of Live Broadcasting
Eric describes the show as a place that feels like home, despite never expecting to be in this role, having previously worked as a special needs assistant until age 30. Though moments of nervousness occur, he embraces the challenge eagerly, motivated by the experience and mentorship from his two seasoned co-presenters. The live setting demands constant adaptability as the news landscape evolves rapidly.
Balancing Ireland AM and Dancing with the Stars
Following the morning broadcast, Eric dedicates his afternoon to rehearsals for Dancing with the Stars. Around noon, he heads to the rehearsal studios for run-throughs of the dance routines set for Sunday’s show. His preparation includes outfit fittings, where he embraces costume choices willingly, and multiple practice sessions on the dance floor, committing himself fully to the performance.
If rehearsals finish on schedule, Eric aims to leave the studio by about 3pm to return home and spend time with his family. Along with his wife Niamh, he takes Rían out for walks and enjoys coffee, appreciating the variety of nearby cafés Dublin offers, a contrast to their previous life in Donegal where a short drive was required for such outings.
The Transition from Donegal to Dublin Family Life
Moving from Donegal to Dublin has brought new opportunities and challenges for Eric and his family. He notes the increased busyness as he pursues various projects, but emphasizes the positive impact of being home every evening with Niamh and their son, rather than spending time away in hotels. Weekends in Donegal often consisted of family-oriented activities, such as swimming, walking, or spending time with his nephew Oisin, which remain cherished memories.
Despite the lively pace in the city, Eric sometimes values quiet downtime at home, enjoying simple moments like watching television. His commitment to Dancing with the Stars is intense but time-limited, and while he hopes to succeed and enjoy the experience, he is aware the focus requires significant dedication at the moment.
Evening Routine Focused on Family and Health
Eric and Niamh maintain a health-conscious lifestyle, starting dinner early and winding down by 8pm due to the demands of parenting. After Rían’s bath and bedtime story, their son settles in quickly, and Eric himself goes to bed soon after, embracing the exhaustion that comes with caring for an infant.
Their nights remain interrupted by parental duties, involving waking to feed the baby and then returning to sleep as best they can. Eric reflects that prior to fatherhood, his evenings might have been spent socializing more actively, but now he values the quiet, home-centered evenings deeply.
Community Engagement and Public Support Initiatives
Beyond his television and dance commitments, Eric is actively involved with PTSB’s Community Fund, which aids Irish charities across the country. The public can participate by voting until February 22 to determine which organizations will receive support in 2026, highlighting Eric’s connection to local causes and social involvement.
This engagement complements his busy schedule, demonstrating his commitment not only to his family and career but also to contributing positively to community efforts.
