'A huge loss to Ireland': Listeners react to Ryan Tubridy's Virgin Radio debut
Ryan Tubridy kicked off his Virgin Radio show on Tuesday. Picture: virginradio.co.uk
For many people, January 2 marked the return to normality after Christmas but for Ryan Tubridy, it was the start of a brand-new chapter.
The former RTÉ star marked the new year by making his debut on Virgin Radio with a new mid-morning show.
Kicking off at 10am until 1pm, Tubridy took the airwaves on Tuesday for the first time since the RTÉ payment scandal.
The 50-year-old hosted a weekday show on RTÉ Radio One before the news of the scandal broke.
This time, however, his voice was heard on a different station as he broadcasted live from his new home in London.
The Ryan Tubridy Show airs Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm on Virgin Radio and sees the Dubliner join the station’s weekday on-air crew, which also includes Jayne Middlemiss in the afternoons, and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson at drivetime.
On Tuesday morning, Tubridy started his new show with a track from the Irish legends U2, selecting their hit as the opening song for his first show.
The selection was hit amongst the many Irish fans who tuned in through Dublin’s Q102.
“Punchy upbeat opening by Ryan Tubridy to his new radio show from London. First song U2 ‘they could not take your pride’,” wrote one listener on X (formally Twitter).
Tubridy also welcomed friend and actor Russell Crowe as his first guest on the show. The pair spoke about Crowe's preparation for the upcoming historical drama and the books they are both reading. The star joined Tubs live on air from Australia and said that he believes the host is "perfect" for London.
Punchy upbeat opening by Ryan Tubridy to his new radio show from London. First song U2 “they could not take your pride”! @_RyanTubridy
— David McRedmond (@DavidMcredmond) January 2, 2024
Across social media, the Virgin Radio show was met with much praise with those listening from Tubridy's native Ireland offering support and well wishes as the former host took on a new venture.
It’s so lovely to hear Ryan Tubridy back on radio again and it’s great to hear him on @Q102FeelGood here’s to a great 2024
— Ciarán Halpin (@CiaranHalpin1) January 2, 2024
“It’s so lovely to hear Ryan Tubridy back on radio again and it’s great to hear him on @Q102FeelGood here’s to a great 2024,” said an Irish listener on X while another said it was “just like old times”.
“Listening to Ryan Tubridy on my morning walk! Good luck, Ryan!,” they added.
Just like old times! Listening to Ryan Tubridy on my morning walk!
— ☘️ Today in Ireland ☘️ (@todayInIreland) January 2, 2024
Good luck, Ryan! #todayinireland @VirginMediaNews @VirginMediaIE @VirginRadioUK pic.twitter.com/3JQ6egUjgg
Meanwhile, on Instagram, Georgie Crawford of said Tubridy’s debut on Virgin Radio gave her “chills”.
“Wow listening to @instatubridy first link and song this morning on @virginradiouk … chills,” she said.
“If you ever needed proof that your red lights will eventually turn green, this is it. A good news story to kick off the year. Amazing to watch the wind in your sails Ryan.”
Under a clip of Tubridy talking about his new show on the Virgin Radio UK Instagram account, fans from across the pond were quick to comment and congratulate the broadcaster.
“What a huge loss to Ireland, Ryan wishing you the best of luck,” said one fan while another noted the “familiarity and comfort of that voice back on the airwaves”. In the same comment section, a listener described the show as “a great mix of music and chat and a really lovely vibe”.
“You’re nailing it on your first day that’s for sure,” they added. “Great to hear your voice back on radio…back where you belong.”
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