Ryan Tubridy cancels first public appearance since RTÉ pay scandal

Organisers of the event confirmed that Ryan Tubridy cancelled his keynote speaking appearance but declined to elaborate on the reason.

Ryan Tubridy has pulled out of what would have been his first public appearance since the RTÉ pay scandal first emerged.

The former Late Late Show presenter was announced as the keynote speaker at the Irish Country Living Women and Agriculture conference last month.

The sold-out conference is being held at the Lyrath Hotel in Co Kilkenny tomorrow.

Organisers of the event confirmed that Tubridy cancelled his keynote speaking appearance but declined to elaborate on the reason.

A spokesman for the Irish Farmers Journal— which publishes Irish Country Living — said that both Brendan Courtney and Síle Seoige would be speaking at the conference instead.

When the former RTÉ presenter was first announced for the event it was said that he would have a "fireside chat" with Ciara Leahy discussing topics including "hosting an iconic chat show, presenting radio programmes, and writing best-selling books".

NK Management, which represents Tubridy, has been contacted for comment.

Tubridy pictured at the launch of former CMO Tony Holohan's book last month. File picture: Nick Bradshaw

The cancelled appearance comes after months of controversy and uncertainty for the 50-year-old presenter who stepped down from hosting the Late Late Show earlier this year before becoming embroiled in the RTÉ pay scandal.

For the most part, Tubridy has stayed out of the limelight since his appearances before Oireachtas committees back in July.

Tubridy attended the invite-only launch of former chief medical officer Tony Holohan's book in September.

He has posted sporadically on his Instagram, including a series of videos recommending various books.

The veteran presenter has had everyone speculating on what his next career move may be.

The latest theory being bounced around the internet is that he is in the running to replace Holly Willoughby after she stepped down from ITV's This Morning earlier this month.

It is not the first time he has been linked with a move to the UK: He caused a stir in September when he spent a few days across the water, taking meetings with various media companies.

Ryan Tubridy poses for a picture with Piers Morgan in London last month. 

He met with divisive TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan who tweeted a photo of them together, writing: "The sacked presenter club! Great to see Ireland's biggest TV star Ryan Tubridy in London today, and excited to see what he does next.

"RTÉ’s loss will definitely be someone else’s gain…"

This was followed up with a visit to Virgin Radio UK where he made an impromptu appearance on his old friend Chris Evans' show.

Evans mentioned that the Irish radio presenter was in the building saying "if he is in before the end of the show, we'll see if we can get him in to say hello."

Evans greeted him by saying: "Welcome aboard! When do you start?"

Laughing, Tubridy quickly answered: "Tuesday, half 10."

Evans continued to tease saying that the former RTÉ Radio presenter has been "window shopping" before reeling off a list of British radio stations.

Tubridy would not be drawn into specifics but he joked along saying he was looking at property prices while he was over.