Can Ryan Tubridy be liked by everyone in the audience?

When Paul McCartney sent him a message on his final 'Late Late Show' wishing him luck for his future, was Ryan Tubridy aware then of just how difficult that immediate future could look?

Ryan Tubridy's geeky persona and occasional open vulnerability drew audiences to him. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

RTÉ’s Golden Boy, beloved by Irish mammies; middle-aged, middle Ireland; and a generation of children has tumbled awkwardly from public grace following revelations of undeclared payments.

The hitherto undisclosed extra payments to Ryan Tubridy came at a time when the State broadcaster was decrying financial hardship, with lower-paid staff battling pay cuts and poor, unstable contracts.