“‘The Late Late Show’ casts a wide net across this island and it is a humbling honour to be asked to present such an iconic programme,” he said.
“I’d like to pay tribute to the other contenders who would have made fine presenters of this programme.
“I would also like to thank everyone who helped to make ‘Tubridy Tonight’ what it was over the last five years.”
Mr Tubridy was tipped as a possible contender for the flagship RTE job along with Miriam O’Callaghan and Gerry Ryan.
‘The Late Late Show’ is the world’s longest running chat show.
It was first aired on July 6, 1962 and was presented by broadcaster Gay Byrne until Kenny took over in 1999.
Kenny announced his departure live on the show on March 27, stating it was time to spend Friday nights with his family at home.
Noel Curran, managing director of television at RTE, said it was an opportunity to look again at the programme.
“Taking on the mantle of presenting the longest-running chat show in the world and a key entertainment brand for RTE is no easy task,” he said.
“We have thought long and hard about who the right presenter is to bring ‘The Late Late Show’ into its 48th year and its next incarnation.”
Mr Tubridy has been presenting his Saturday night TV show, ‘Tubridy Tonight’, since 2004.
RTE said it will not return in the autumn.
Mr Curran said: “We want to take this opportunity to look at other entertainment show possibilities.
“There will be a new home-produced entertainment show for Saturday night and we will consider carefully what that show will be.”
Tubridy’s first ‘Late Late Show’ as host will be broadcast on September 5, 2009
Evening Herald
Colin O’Riordan
Tuesday May 12 2009
Ryan Tubridy - Late Late Host
