"It’s a lovely time to be alive."
Newly announced Virgin Radio host
Ryan Tubridy has said that he "wants to do my country proud" as he starts off his new life in London.
The former Late Late Show presenter
announced his new UK presenting gig last week after months of speculation over his next move.
Speaking to the
Sunday Times, Tubridy said that he thinks people are "relieved" and "happy" for him in his new role, adding that there "was a bit of injustice in the air", referring to the fallout of the RTÉ payments scandal.
He also said that, "it’s a lovely time to be alive. I would not have said that to you four months ago."
Speaking on his upcoming move - he starts his show on January 4, 2024 - Tubridy said that entering the UK media industry is "a huge freedom".
"I think it’s unfettered by expectation or legacy. You know, it’s just going to be, yeah, a new version of a relatively old fella. I had to pause for six months, for reasons that I didn’t see coming, or understand to be frank."
Ryan Tubridy says he wants to make his country proud with UK move
Tubridy was in attendance at the Irish Post awards last week, and he spoke of the warm welcome he received from the Irish community in London.
"It was a really lovely experience because every table I went past stopped for pictures and welcomed me and told me that London is a great place and the commute is easy. The Irish in London are a great community and they seem to be really chuffed that another one of them will be on the air here and I take that really seriously.
"I do think that there’s something about flying the flag. I won’t be heavy-handed about it but I want to do my country proud too."
In the wide-ranging interview, where he also praised the support of his two daughters and girlfriend, Dr Clare Kambamettu, the 50-year-old also revealed that he is going to take some time in the coming weeks to reply to the "2,000 to 3,000" letters and cards he received in support over the past few months.
"The support on the ground was extraordinary. I don’t think that was reflected as much as it could have been elsewhere but on the ground and from the real people it was knockout, I won’t forget it."
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