RTE's Claire Byrne tipped to take over The Late Late Show, insiders say

• Published date: 24 March 2023

Sources have claimed the Laois woman is expected to be revealed as the new presenter of the Friday night chat show before Ryan Tubridy steps down on May 26. A TV insider said: "Claire is the most talked about person in RTE at the moment. Everyone is saying she will be the show's next host if she wants it

"Claire stepped away from telly almost a year ago to concentrate on her family but when she was announced to host a new quiz show, Ireland's Smartest, next month, everyone speculated she wants to return to TV. When she finished hosting Claire Byrne Tonight she was told she'll probably end up as host of The Late Late Show some day."

Even host Tubridy has pointed the finger at who he would like to see as the next presenter. Speaking to Claire on her RTE Radio 1 show last week, Ryan said: "I could give you 50 reasons as to why I am leaving The Late Late Show but the one I can only give you that is the most prosaic and the most soulful is you know when you know and I know. I know in my heart, and I know in my mind.

"The Toy Show went into a different orbit. I can't believe there won't be any more toy shows with me but there will be Toy Shows with the next person, whoever that might be," gesturing to Claire in studio.

Claire said: "You're talking to a person who walked away from work," but Ryan asked: "Would you not consider walking back?"

Claire added: "Listen, let's not go there. Now listen, let's talk about the Toy Show."

Claire's chances of becoming the next host have been strengthened even more after Miriam O'Callaghan publicly ruled herself out of the running, while Claire remained silent after her statement. In a lengthy post, the Prime Time host said earlier this week that while the bookies' odds favouring her to be the next chat show's next host are "flattering", she will not be throwing her "hat into the ring".

She posted the statement on her Instagram to stop people from asking the question – "including from my wonderful mum". She said: "The Late Late Show is an incredible programme.

"It's not just the jewel in the crown of Irish broadcasting, it's also an institution stitched into the fabric of Irish life. Ryan has done a superb job presenting it for the past 14 years. Although the...