The Late Late Show job is now "a two-horse race" between beloved Northern Irish comedian Patrick Kielty and a leading RTE.
According to Ladbrokes, Prime Time's Sarah McInerney and comedian and TV star Patrick Kiely are now joint 12/1 favourites.
They are just two of the big names in the running to take over the coveted role from Ryan Tubrity who will host his final show later this month after 14 years.
Read more: Patrick Kielty front-runner to become new Late Late Show host
RTE's Claire Byrne was widely tipped to take over however, the presenter has ruled herself out saying she wants to focus on her radio show and young family, RSVP Live reports.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "It was widely believed that Claire Byrne was nailed on to take over the Late Late Show gig, but following the shock announcement from Byrne herself that she will remove herself from the running, it has become a two-horse race between Sarah McInerney and Patrick Kielty, with nothing separating the pair as things stand.
"The race to fill the iconic presenters chair rumbles on!"
Baz Ashmway is still a popular pick who is into 7/1 from 14/1.
There has also been a renewed interest in Brendan O'Connor, who is now priced at 10/1 from 18/1.
Tommy Tiernan, Katie Hannon, and Angela Scanlon are all still linked to the role while Laura Whitmore is viewed as an outsider with odds of 33/1.
Patrick Kielty's wife, TV host Cat Deeley, said her hubby would do “the most phenomenal job” as the new host of the Late Late Show.
In a recent interview, Cat, who describes Dublin as their “second home”, said Patrick would take to the role seamlessly.
She said: "I know his name is in the mix [for The Late Late Show]. And I know that he would do the most phenomenal job as, you know, he’s got the right balance of entertainment and politics, and he’s got skin in the game in that he’s very aware of what happens in Ireland all the time."
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