Ryan Tubridy stepping down as presenter of The Late Late Show

In an announcement made today, RTÉ have revealed that Ryan Tubridy is set to step down as the host of The Late Late Show. He'll exit the show at the end of the current series, in May.

“It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last fourteen years," Tubridy comments. "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.”

Tubridy took over the position of presenter from Pat Kenny in 2009.

In 2020, Miriam O'Callaghan stood in for Tubridy for two consecutive weeks, after he tested positive for Covid-19.

The first host of The Late Late Show – which is the world's second longest-running late-night talk show – was the late Gay Byrne, who presented it from 1962 until 1999.

“I would like to thank Ryan and acknowledge his enormous commitment to the Late Late Show during the seven years I have had the privilege to work with him," said RTÉ Director-General, Dee Forbes. "The Late Late Show is a TV phenomenon at home and abroad which continues to hold a special place in Irish life and Ryan can take enormous credit for that.

"He had big shoes to fill, but he has made the show his own over the past fourteen years. The transformation of the Late Late Toy Show into a national event celebrating Irish children and the most popular television programme in Ireland every year is testament to his talents as a broadcaster and his ability to create a unique connection with children and audiences all over Ireland, and beyond. There are so many great memories and special moments to look back on, and more to come, which we will rightly celebrate in the months ahead.”

Tubridy will present his final Late Late Show on Friday, May 26, on RTÉ One. He'll continue to present his radio show on weekday mornings on RTÉ Radio 1.

Reflecting on his time presenting the show, Tubridy notes that "we experienced extraordinary times as a country in that period."

"During the pandemic particularly, the viewing figures bear testament to the fact that many families across Ireland tuned in as we tried to make sense of it all," he resumes. "In a time of massive disruption and fragmentation of media and fake news, trust matters and I hope The Late Late Show offered that over the years."

RTÉ has not yet made any official decision about who the next presenter of the Late Late Show will be. An announcement is expected to be made later in the summer.

So… We have some news!

RTÉ has today announced that Ryan will step down from The #LateLate at the end of the current series.

Ryan: "It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last fourteen years... pic.twitter.com/3XgUXLh18t

— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) March 16, 2023