Miriam O’Callaghan has ruled herself out as the next presenter of the Late Late Show.
In a lengthy statement, the Prime Time host has said that while the bookies' odds favouring her to be the next chat show’s next host are “flattering”, she will not be throwing her “hat into the ring”.
She posted the statement on her Instagram to stop people from asking "including from my wonderful mum".
She said: “The Late Late Show is an incredible programme. It’s not just the jewel in the crown of Irish broadcasting, it’s also an institution stitched into the fabric of Irish life.
“Ryan has done a superb job presenting it for the past 14 years.
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“Although the speculation about me being one of the favourite to take over the Late Late Show is very flattering, that won’t be happening as I am not throwing my hat into the ring to be considered.”
She said she “loves” hosting Prime Time too much “to leave it”, adding: “and what we do in current affairs as a team matters, and can actually change lives.
“It’s what I love doing most of all as a broadcast journalist, and I’m not prepared to give that up for any show.”
The mum-of-eight gave an example of “the kinds of stories that matter to me” as she recalled meeting Bill and Hilary Clinton in New York this week on the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
She said she found a letter last night – 14 years after she told RTE management she did not want to be considered for the Late Late Show before Pat Kenny became it’s host.
“In it, I told management that I was withdrawing my name from the ring on that occasion too, saying I no longer wanted to be considered for the job if I had to leave Prime Time, and the position – fourteen years on – remains exactly the same.
“I’ve been lucky enough to present the iconic Late Late Show twice, and I loved the experience – I wish whoever does go for the job the very best -it’s a brilliant opportunity and very exciting.
“I also wish my heartfelt congratulations in advance to whoever gets it – what a joyous role, enjoy!”
Drivetime host Cormac O'hEadhra joked to listeners on the show that Miriam could be paving the way to the Aras after Michael D Higgins tenure finishes.
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