Baz Ashmawy and Lucy Kennedy have emerged as a dark horse double act to replace Ryan Tubridy on RTE’s Late Late Show.
A source hinted that Montrose bosses are looking for two hosts – one male and one female – to take the reins on the iconic chat show. Speculation has been rife about who will replace Tubs since his shock announcement that he will quit the show after 14 years in May.
Baz – back on our screens with a new series of DIY SOS tonight – and broadcaster Lucy previously worked together for two years on morning radio. The insider told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “All the talk has been about a female presenter but the idea of two hosts is really taking hold.
Read more: RTE Tommy Tiernan Show viewers blown away by 'absolute legend' WWE wrestler Becky Lynch
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they choose two presenters – and there’s a good chance they’ll look outside RTE for fresh blood. Baz and Lucy did breakfast radio together on RTE for two years and they would be a perfect combination.
“They’ve proven their diversity on TV too – both have fronted several successful shows and both are personable and empathetic interviewers.
“And Lucy would not be fazed by a live studio audience having fronted the Podge & Rodge show on RTE with great success.” Lucy, who co-hosts breakfast radio on Classic Hits and is currently filming a new series of Living With Lucy, would have to trim her schedule if she takes the role.
Asked about the Late Late gig, Baz, 47, said: “There are better odds on other people from what I can see. It might be nice to see a woman do it. I think there’s some great female presenters there up for grabs.”
The popular presenter, writer and podcaster joked: “I’m so busy, but maybe I should walk around RTE in a suit...”
Baz, who has filled in for Tubs on radio in the past, added: “I love radio, it’s just how do you fit it all in. I’d love to get back on radio.”
Ryan Tubridy hinted at a female Late Late Show presenter last week when he wished his successor good luck “whoever she is”. Just hours after he announced his departure RTE’s director general Dee Forbes said TV bosses would consider changing the format of the show.
She said: “The world has changed. The world when Ryan began 14 years ago is completely different and we are looking at a lot more fragmented viewing. Obviously we’ll now sit down and we’ll have a look at what’s next and who is next in that seat.”
The RTE rumour mill puts Claire Byrne, 47, as the frontrunner to replace Tubs on the iconic Friday night show. She started her TV career on TV3’s morning magazine show before moving to RTE’s Prime Time in 2013.
Miriam O’Callaghan, 63, ruled herself out of the running this week, but Sarah McInerney, 41, remains in the frame.
READ NEXT:
- Brian McFadden shares rare photo of baby daughter as fans gush praise
- Colm Meaney beams as he poses for pic with staff in Dublin restaurant
- RTE Late Late Show viewers say Friday night guest should replace Ryan Tubridy
- Ireland rugby stars tell hilarious story behind Garry Ringrose viral video
- Vogue Williams and Spencer Matthews announce additional show date in Dublin following high demand
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
