Search icon

Celebrity

25th Jul 2023

Claire Byrne explains why she didn’t want Late Late Show gig

Kat O'Connor

Claire Byrne has opened up about why she wouldn’t want to host the Late Late Show.

The broadcaster was the favourite to take over from Ryan Tubridy but took her name out of the running as she wanted to spend more time with her family.

However, the presenter has now confirmed she was afraid of the intense scrutiny she would face if she accepted the gig.

Speaking to The Irish Times, Byrne explained that she looked up her name on Twitter when she was being considered for the role.

The social media site was full of speculation about the next host, but it was also full of nasty remarks about Byrne.

She explained to the publication that she just didn’t want to expose herself to that level of trolling.

“I did see some of the social media comments which I thought crossed the line in many cases.”

Byrne searched her name during the Late Late speculation because she “was trying to weigh up what it might mean if I kept my name in The Late Late Show loop”.

She said she already deals with enough trolling and online abuse and decided the major role just wasn’t worth it.

“I did stop and think about whether I wanted to introduce the level of scrutiny into my life. For me, the decision was that I didn’t.”

Byrne also said her children were another factor in her decision. They wanted her around on Fridays so Byrne decided to take her name out of the running for the role.

After weeks of speculation, presenter and comedian Patrick Kielty was confirmed as the new host of The Late Late Show.

READ MORE