Kathryn Thomas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kathryn Thomas
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Thomas interviewed at RTÉ's winter season launch in 2015
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| Born | 20 January 1979 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | English, Sociology and Information Studies |
| Alma mater | King's Hospital School University College Dublin (UCD) |
| Occupation | Presenter |
| Employer | RTÉ |
| Agent | Noel Kelly |
| Known for | Rapid, No Frontiers, Winning Streak, Operation Transformation, The Voice of Ireland |
| Children | 2 |
Kathryn Thomas (born 20 January 1979) is a well-known Irish television presenter. She started her career presenting children's shows. Later, she became famous for hosting travel and lifestyle programmes.
Kathryn got her first job with RTÉ, Ireland's national broadcaster. She co-presented a children's TV show called Rapid in the 1990s. After that, she travelled the world for the show No Frontiers. This show helped promote different countries on RTÉ Television.
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Early Life and Education
Kathryn Thomas grew up in Carlow, Ireland. She first went to the national school on the Green Road. Then she attended St Leo's College, Carlow for her secondary education.
In her second year of secondary school, she moved to The King's Hospital in Dublin. She lived there as a boarder, which means she stayed at the school. Kathryn later studied English, Sociology, and Information Studies at University College Dublin (UCD). However, she left university early. This was because she got a contract to present the children's TV show Rapid. She also completed acting exams up to Grade 8 from London Guildhall.
Kathryn's Television Career
Starting with Rapid
Kathryn's big break into television happened when she co-presented Rapid. This was a youth sports show. She worked alongside Dublin GAA star Jason Sherlock during the 1990s.
Exploring the World with No Frontiers
After Rapid, Kathryn worked on the travel series No Frontiers. This show took her to many different places. She reported on various assignments, like boomerang throwing in Australia. She also tried bungee jumping in New Zealand.
Hosting Popular Game Shows
In 2008, Kathryn co-presented Winning Streak: Dream Ticket. She worked with Aidan Power on this show. From 2009, she hosted Winning Streak with Marty Whelan. She left the show in December 2011.
Leading Health and Talent Shows
In 2011, Kathryn became the new presenter of Operation Transformation. This popular show helps people improve their health. It airs on RTÉ One. In August 2011, it was announced that she would also host The Voice of Ireland. This was the Irish version of the famous singing competition The Voice.
In 2023, Kathryn made history at the annual Rose of Tralee festival. She co-hosted the event with Dáithí Ó Sé. This was the first time two people hosted the festival together.
Kathryn's Radio Work
Kathryn has also worked in radio. She has filled in for John Murray on RTÉ Radio 1. She also hosts a quiz show on RTÉ Radio 1. Since 2025, Kathryn has been the presenter of the breakfast show on Dublin’s Q102.
Personal Life and Family
Kathryn Thomas has two children. Her first daughter, Ellie McLoughlin, was born in March 2018. She announced in June 2021 that she was expecting her second child. Kathryn lives in Inchicore.
In 2015, Kathryn shared a fun fact about herself. She revealed that the shooting stars on her arm were not real tattoos. They were actually temporary transfers. She said she was too scared to get a real tattoo!
Awards and Recognition
Kathryn has received several awards for her work.
- In 2005, she won the Travel Extra Irish Travel Writer of the Year award.
- In 2008, she won the Sony Bravia TV Personality of the Year. This was at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) in Dublin. She also won Best Female Presenter at the TV Now Awards that same year.
- In February 2012, she was voted third in a poll. This poll aimed to find Ireland's most desirable Valentines.
