Russell Crowe congratulates Ryan Tubridy on 'genius move' to Virgin Radio 

The former Late Late Show host will start at the station in January 

Former RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy will be returning to the airwaves in January when he will be broadcasting a weekend radio show from London which will be also broadcast on Cork's 96 FM as well as 95 FM and LMFM in Limerick and Q102 in Dublin. Picture: Virgin Radio

Hollywood actor Russell Crowe has congratulated Ryan Tubridy on his move to Virgin Radio, describing it as a “genius move”. 

On Thursday, Virgin Radio UK revealed that the former Late Late Show host would be joining its weekly line-up.

Tubridy will helm the mid-morning show on the station from Monday to Friday, starting on January 4. He will be broadcasting live from London and will be moving to the city.

The presenter, who stepped down as host of the Late Late Show earlier this year said it was a “big day” for his family who he hopes to “make proud”.

Speaking to his new colleague Chris Evans on air, Tubridy reminisced about his 14 years as Late Late Show host, naming Ed Sheeran and Russell Crowe among his favourite guests.

Following the news, Gladiator star Russell Crowe took to social media to show his support for Tubridy, who he described as one of the “best broadcasters ever”.

“Big news for my man Ryan Tubridy. In a genius move @VirginRadioUK have signed him to follow Chris Evans show from January,” he said.

“Two of the best broadcasters ever. A massive 1-2 combination. I love how radio in the UK is so potent.” 

In May, the New Zealand native also paid a special tribute to his “mate” during a gig in Melbourne after Tubridy bid farewell to the Late Late Show.

Big news for my man Ryan Tubridy. In a genius move ⁦@VirginRadioUK⁩ have signed him to follow Chris Evans show from January. Two of the best broadcasters ever. A massive 1-2 combination. I love how radio in the UK is so potent. pic.twitter.com/k405HgPEiZ

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) November 16, 2023

Crowe was not the only familiar face to wish Tubridy well. After he shared a teaser video to his Instagram about the “big news” that was to come, friends, and colleagues took to the comments section to share their support.

“Here he goes!!!! Knock ‘em dead Ryan. They got a good one,” wrote fellow RTÉ star Kathryn Thomas. 2FM’s Doireann Garrihy said: “Go on Ryan” while TV presenter Lucy Kennedy described the news as “very exciting”.

While he continued to host his radio show after his time on the Late Late Show came to an end, Tubridy left RTÉ after being at the centre of the broadcaster’s pay scandal.

In a statement following the news of his move to Virgin, Tubridy said: “I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter with Virgin Radio. New city, new station, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning."