“I am profoundly grateful”
After 14 years in the host’s chair at The Late Late Show, Ryan Tubridy has confirmed he is stepping down from the RTÉ flagship.
Tubridy stepped into the hot-seat when Pat Kenny announced he would be leaving the role. Back in March, he was asked by RSVP about rumours that were circulating about him leaving the talk show.
“I don’t know where this is coming from,” he replied, “the story comes up every year or two.”
Well, like a stopped like that is right two times a day, so it was with that rumour. The Dubliner is moving on, and it will not be long before speculation builds over his replacement.
As for the man himself, he released a poignant statement after the news was confirmed in an RTÉ press release.
Ryan Tubridy thanks staff, family and a generous nation
Ryan Tubridy took over from Pat Kenny, in 2009, who himself took over The Late Late Show from Gay Byrne.
In his statement, Tubridy was conscious of touching upon the journey he was on, as well as those that supported him in the role. He commented:
“It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last fourteen years. I want to thank the tremendous teams of producers, researchers, crew and executives who have done the hard work to keep the show on the road over the years. Many have become dear friends.
“Also, to the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to the Late Late Show, week in, week out. Not only did you raise 30 million euros for Irish charities including over 15 million euros for children’s charities all over the island that are particularly close to my heart, but you showed incredible generosity of spirit for which I am profoundly grateful.
“I was often touched by the kind comments of viewers stopping me on the street or at the supermarket on a Saturday to say ‘thank you’ or ‘well done’ for highlighting an issue that affected them or their families on the previous night’s show. Go raibh maith agaibh.
“And finally, to my family who stood by me every day of every week, year in, year out. To my daughters especially, they put up with so much and I am as grateful to them as I am awestruck by them.”
The final show of Ryan Tubridy’s Late Late Show stint will be later this year, in the summer, RTÉ has confirmed.
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