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05th May 2023

Irish comedian tipped as next Late Late Show host after Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney ruled out

Sophie Collins

The comedian is now back in the top spot with 6/5 odds on him stepping into the Friday night hot seat

There has been major movement in who the bookies are backing to replace Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show after two of the front runners bowed out of the race today.

Both Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney have said they won’t be putting their hats in the ring for the coveted spot.

Now naturally, more names are being thrown around and Boyle Sports have the latest odds.

Patrick Kielty is the new favourite to replace Ryan Tubridy as presenter of The Late Late Show.

According to BoyleSports, the comedian is now back in the top spot with 6/5 odds on him stepping into the Friday night hot seat.

Other names on the list include Baz Ashmawy who is 3/1 from 12/1, Kathryn Thomas who is 6/1 from 25/1 and Ciara Doherty who is 8/1 from 25/1.

Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: “With both Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney ruling themselves out of the Late Late Show race it’s now all about Patrick Kielty to take over.”

“This has been an extremely busy market so we wouldn’t be surprised if more names pull out in the coming days and weeks.”

The news comes after Sarah McInerney took to Twitter on Friday to announce that she will not be fronting show when it returns this Autumn.

She said: “I’d like to confirm that I’m not taking over The Late Late Show from either Ryan Tubridy or James Corden. Nor have I sought Waystar from Logan Roy.”

“Though the prospect of grilling young children on their toy choices every December would be enticing, I let RTÉ management know a couple of weeks ago that I wouldn’t be throwing my hat in the ring .”

“There’s an election coming, maybe next year. Prime Time and Drivetime will be at the centre of RTÉ’s coverage. Like all political nerds, I can’t wait.”

“Ryan Tubridy has done an exceptional job at the helm of The Late Late Show. I’ll really miss him on Friday nights, and I wish his successor the very best of luck.”

Sarah released her statement shortly after Claire Byrne confirmed that she would not be taking over from Tubridy next season.

The mum-of-three told the Irish Independent: “I have a young family, a busy home life and a full-time radio job that I love, and right now, that is enough for me.”

“While I’d never rule out other TV projects, The Late Late Show should be presented by someone who can give it the time and dedication that it deserves.”

Claire said she was “honoured” to have been linked to “such a prestigious broadcasting role” and said: “The show is an iconic one which demands huge commitment from the presenter, as demonstrated so well by Ryan, Pat [Kenny] and Gay [Byrne].”

It look as if we’ll be waiting a little bit longer to find out who will take on the most prestigious role in Irish chat show history.

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