Access all areas for new kid on the block Alex

He might be the toast of Tralee right now, but Rose of Tralee host Dáithí Ó Sé has been told to be on guard for a new kid on the block — in every sense of the word.

As part of upcoming RTÉ show Una’s Dream Ticket, the popular presenter came face-to-face with 12-year-old Alex Looney, who is officially out to steal his job.

The youngster, from Donnybrook in Douglas, Cork, contacted the state broadcaster last month asking if he could take part in the new programme, hosted by Una Healy from The Saturdays, which attempts to make kids’ dreams come true.

And after detailing his desire to become a TV presenter, producers felt an access all areas visit to the Rose of Tralee — and the chance to interview the likes of Dáithí, 2012 winner Nicola McEvoy, and Danny O’Reilly from The Coronas — was the perfect opportunity to showcase his talents.

Although at least one (temporarily) bearded Kerryman may not have quite seen it that way.

“Dáithí was absolutely great with him, there was great banter between them during the parade on Saturday,” said the 12-year-old’s mother, Sonya Harvey.

“He was an absolute gentleman, but the two of them kept joking Alex was going to take his job next year.”

Budding presenter Alex added that Dingle native Dáithí was full of advice on how to develop his career, including an important message not just confined to what you do for a living.

“He told me to be myself, don’t put on a different accent because people want you to, and to make sure to always be you,” said Alex.

Among the other interviewees Alex put under the microscope over the weekend was chart-topper and Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly, who revealed what it is like to perform in front of 40,000 people and how he sees Tralee as his home away from home.

Alex’s full backstage interviews will be shown on RTÉ during one of 11 half-hour episodes of the new show — created by Tyrone Productions — in the lead-up to Christmas.