Aoibhinn McGinnity is unrecognisable in the new episode of Bridget & Eamon

Actress Aoibhinn McGinnity is known for her edgy style – but her latest look on the new series of Bridget & Eamon may raise an eyebrow or two.

The Monaghan native features in the first episode of the hit RTE show’s second season, along with Mark Huberman, and both are sporting an, eh, unusual look.

The pair play a visiting American couple – with Donald Trump-esque tans and bright blonde hair  – called Mikey and Barbara, who become best pals with Bridget (Jennifer Zamparelli) and Eamon (Bernard O’Shea) and the usual shenanigans ensue. It will air on Monday, November 14 at 9.30pm on RTE2.

The IFTA award winning series will offer viewers six spanking new episodes and a Christmas special to enjoy.

During series two the nation’s favourite unhappily married 80s couple run for election, open a hair salon in the house, go up to Dublin to a fancy restaurant for the first time ever, lose their minds when they miss a phone call, solve a murder case, play a dangerous game of sunburn roulette, get a visit from the Mafia and may accidentally kill Eamon’s Mammy.

Along with Jennifer and Eamon, other regulars from series one are all back with Norma Sheahan, Sharon Mannion and Eleanor Tiernan as neighbours Noreen, Concepta and Dolores. Edwin Sammon is back as Fr. Gabriel, Colum McDonnell as Fierce Handy Frank and with Neil Molloy and Danny Kehoe as hopeless Gardaí Paul and Ger.

Guest stars, other than Mark and Aoibhinn, include Katherine Lynch, who will appear as Eamon’s Mammy and will be chain smoking, with big glasses and choppy changey hair – remind you of anyone? Also appearing during the series is Anne Gildea, playing Sister Donna Cora Loaney, Joe Rooney as local DJ Phil Erup, Kevin McGahern as hotel owner Dessie and series one favourites John Colleary and Pat McDonnell as IRA men Jimmy and Martin. 

Speaking today at the launch, VIP wondered if Jen and Bernard were nervous about the reception to the second series. “Of course we are,” Jennifer cried. However, Bernard ensured us that the second series is even better than the first, as the emphasis has been placed on simplifying the show and ensuring the script writing and main characters remain strong. We can’t wait!

The box set of Bridget & Eamon series one is available on RTÉ Player.