Ryan Tubridy to step down as host of The Late Late Show

The broadcaster said it has been a "privilege" to host what he called "the national institution that is the Late Late Show". Picture: Andres Poveda

Ryan Tubridy is to step down as host of The Late Late Show.

RTÉ made the announcement that the host will step down at the end of the current season after 14 years in the hot seat. He will present his final show on May 26. 

Mr Tubridy, 49, said it has been a "privilege" to host what he called "the national institution that is The Late Late Show".

"I want to thank the tremendous teams of producers, researchers, crew and executives who have done the hard work to keep the show on the road over the years. Many have become dear friends," he said.

"Also, to the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to The Late Late Show, week in, week out. Not only did you raise €30m for Irish charities including over €15m for children's charities all over the island that are particularly close to my heart, but you showed incredible generosity of spirit for which I am profoundly grateful. 

"I was often touched by the kind comments of viewers stopping me on the street or at the supermarket on a Saturday to say 'thank you' or 'well done' for highlighting an issue that affected them or their families on the previous night's show. Go raibh maith agaibh."

Ryan Tubridy pictured performing 'Let It Snow" during The Late Late Toy Show last year. Picture: Andres Poveda

Mr Tubridy, who has been hosting the show for 14 years, also praised his family "who stood by me every day of every week". 

"To my daughters especially, they put up with so much and I am as grateful to them as I am awestruck by them."

Speaking on RTÉ radio after the news was announced, Mr Tubridy added: “When you’re The Late Late Show presenter, you belong to a lot of people and that’s part of the joys of it when you’re the guy, but when you’re the family of the guy, they didn’t buy into that and its always a little trickier for them.

“I think another five, ten years of that would be punishment for them. I’m ready, I’m so comfortable with the decision. You’re right, it wasn’t easy but it feels really good. I’ve had a joyful time, I’ve enjoyed it so much what a job."

Mr Tubridy took over as host of the long-running chat show in 2009 , replacing Pat Kenny. He said he will remain hosting his RTÉ Radio 1 show and will talk about other projects in the future "that will embrace my love of books, history and Ireland".

Figures released last month revealed that Mr Tubridy was RTÉ's highest earner in 2020 and 2021. He earned €440,000 in 2021, a drop from his 2020 total of €466,250.

RTÉ Director-General Dee Forbes praised Mr Tubridy's "enormous commitment" to The Late Late Show. 

" The Late Late Show is a TV phenomenon at home and abroad which continues to hold a special place in Irish life and Ryan can take enormous credit for that. He had big shoes to fill, but he has made the show his own over the past 14 years," she said.

Ryan Tubridy is pictured with performers Deborah Addeji (7) from Navan and Louis Hanna (5) from Artane at the theme reveal for last years Toy Show. Picture: Andres Poveda

"The transformation of the Late Late Toy Show into a national event celebrating Irish children and the most popular television programme in Ireland every year is testament to his talents as a broadcaster and his ability to create a unique connection with children and audiences all over Ireland, and beyond. 

"There are so many great memories and special moments to look back on, and more to come, which we will rightly celebrate in the months ahead."

Speaking in Washington DC, the Taoiseach paid tribute, stating: "I know he's not retiring and will continue to do his radio show and I'm sure

The Late Late Show

will continue as well but I think

The Late Late Show

was more than just a talk show.

"It's also formed an important public service role as well particularly during the pandemic when it was a very interesting means to get information to people.

"And also I think the Toy Show as well the way that's evolved has been significant too. It now raises a lot of money for charity for very good causes.

"So I really just wanted to recognise that very considerable contribution to broadcasting."

'Extraordinary times'

Reflecting on his 14-years as host, Mr Tubridy said: "I realise that we experienced extraordinary times as a country in that period. During the pandemic particularly, the viewing figures bear testament to the fact that many families across Ireland tuned in as we tried to make sense of it all. In a time of massive disruption and fragmentation of media and fake news, trust matters and I hope The Late Late Show offered that over the years," he said.

"I will especially miss the annual chaos of The Toy Show and while millions of viewers got to see the thousands of children who made it onto the live show, I saw lots more hopeful singers, messers, dancers and musicians at auditions throughout the country. 

"Suffice to say, I am incredibly positive about and hopeful for the next generation and the contribution they will make to this country."

Commenting on the people he interviewed over the course of his career, Mr Tubridy said: “I’ve met stand out people, like Vicky Phelan and Adam King, Saoirse Ruane and more recently Charlie Bird. People who’ve moved the country and have been selfless.

“Catherine Corless comes to mind immediately, a gentle kind historian who changed the world through persistence and dignity and diligence," he added.

Speaking on RTÉ radio's Today with Claire Byrne, Mr Tubridy ruled out returning to host The Toy Show in the future. 

“It was glorious, that Toy Show is magic, there’s magic in the air. You’d want to see behind the scenes of that show, that will be hard to say goodbye to but there will be no return.

"I know when it’s time to say goodbye and like the song says, it is indeed time to say goodbye.”

He also hinted at the possibility of Claire Byrne replacing him, saying: "There will be Toy Shows with the next person, whoever that might be...Claire."

Ms Byrne replied by saying: "You're talking to the person who walked away from work," referring to her decision to step down from her TV show, Claire Byrne Live, last year. 

RTÉ has not yet made any decision regarding who will replace Mr Tubridy, saying an announcement will be made later in the summer.