Jim Smyth
Jim Smyth was born in Newry, Co. Down, in 1961, a Virgo. Number Three in a family of seven children, Jim went to Queen's University, Belfast where he studied for a degree in French and Spanish. After graduating, Jim spent a couple of years living and teaching in Brittany, France, then in 1985 returned to Belfast to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. He spent a further 2 years in France, where he taught English, studied at Rennes University, co-founded a Theatre Group 'Artmlo Armlois', played soccer for St. Armel, perfected his French, and delivered bread for the local bakery. In 1988, Jim headed for London, where he became Head of French in a girls preparatory school.

In July 1995, Jim moved back to Ireland planning to continue his teaching career, but was approached by Dreamchaser Productions and asked to present an innovative 'food & drink' programme - 'The Dog's Dinner' (Network 2, Feb. - Apr. 1996).

And so began Jim's career in television. He went on to present 'PaddynetSongs from a Digital Island' on 17th March 1996. In May of that year, NBC's 'Good Morning, America'. He was the reporter for the 'Gay Byrne Survival Challenge' (RT Radio 1). He made some good friends, lost a stone and learned to live off the land. He was put to the test as a team captain in TnaG's, quiz programme, 'Charts i gCeart', (November 1996 - May 1997).

Other work included 'Home Truths' series, presenting 'Lip Service to the World', 'Jim Smyth's Consumer Guide' (RT 1), reports for 'The Breakfast Show', (98FM) presenting for 'The Pet Set', (BBC Northern Ireland), '@ Last T.V.'(Network 2), 'Antiques Watch' (RT 1) and "Desperately Seeking Surgery" (RT 1).

Jim presented "House Hunters" on RT 1 from 2001until 2005, as well as a shoot-off series, "House Hunters Revisited". He continues to front "House Hunters in the Sun" for RT which will air its 4th series in January 2006.

Jim loves karaoke, Man Utd., golf (18 handicap), basketball (even though he's 5'7"!), singing (he performed a duet with Kieran Goss on RT 1's 'Limelight'), and languages (he speaks French, Spanish, Italian and Irish). He is a full-time teacher of French and Spanish in St. Conleth's College, Ballsbridge, Dublin.

Jim Smyth lives happily in Raheny with his wife Miriam and their two kids Maddie (4) and Eva (1).