The host wished his successor well “whoever she may be.”
Ryan Tubridy took charge of his first Late Late Show since announcing he was stepping down after 14 years.
The St. Patrick’s Day Special saw Tubridy chat to many Irish stars including Liam Neeson and St. Patrick’s Day 2023 Grand Marshal Vera Pauw.
The 49-year-old, who took over from Pat Kenny in 2009, addressed the announcement on the show.
“The truth of it is that in life, sometimes you make a decision on the basis of your gut, and this was my gut. My gut is based on ‘when you know, you know’, and it feels right,” he said.
“It’s been a real privilege to be here with you every Friday night, to be the custodian of this great institution for the past 14 years. I’ve met some of the most inspiring people, I made some wonderful friends.”
"In life, sometimes you make a decision on the basis of your gut. And this was my gut."#LateLate pic.twitter.com/NzEY4FjoxS
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) March 17, 2023
The Late Late Toy Show
Tubridy especially thanked everyone involved in the Toy Show, which he said was a highlight of his career on the show.
“I have to say a special mention to my friends from the Toy Shows down through the years because that’s just one of the great nights and they’re just amazing kids, many of them now young men and women, and thank you to them.
“To the Irish public, to you at home, time after time I was especially bowled over by your generosity — raising millions of euro for those who needed it and that’s really something we’ll always be very proud of. I played a part in that, but it was small enough. Thank you.”
Ryan will present his final Late Late Show at 9.35pm on Friday 26th May on RTÉ One.
Who will be the next Late Late Show host?
In his speech, the host took the opportunity to “wish my successor, whoever she may be the very, very best of luck. Obviously, I jest but good luck to whoever’s next and I’ll be supporting them.”
Tubridy hinting at his successor being a woman is a nod to the current chatter online of who could be the next to step up.
Following the announcement by RTÉ, the broadcaster said it has “not yet made any decision regarding the next presenter of the Late Late Show. An announcement will be made later in the summer.”
One name generating a buzz is Jennifer Zamparelli. However, the presenter commented back in January about hosting the long-running show by saying “I don’t think it would be for me.”
Other names being talked about as potential successors are Claire Byrne, Miriam O’Callaghan and Sarah McInerney. Tommy Tiernan and Brendan O’Connor are also some names being thrown about.
Related articles
- RTÉ confirms Ryan Tubridy to step down from The Late Late Show
- Ryan Tubridy leaving The Late Late Show: All the statements, reactions and those tipped to replace him
- Ryan Tubridy releases poignant statement as Late Late Show departure confirmed
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