All betting on the next Late Late Show host has been suspended by Ladbrokes, with sources suggesting that Claire Byrne is "all but a done deal".
Following along from recent news reports about who the next host may be, as well as a series of bets this morning, the bookies decided to pull the plug on the popular market for now.
Morning radio host Claire Byrne, who recently began a new quiz show Ireland's Smartest after stepping down from her last TV role Claire Byrne Live last year, has been the forerunner for the job for quite some time.
READ MORE: First look at Claire Byrne's new RTE quiz show as start date confirmed
Before betting was suspended, Claire Byrne was the red-hot favourite for the role at 1/3, ahead of Sarah McInerney at 3/1 and Angela Scanlon at 5/1.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: “All the signs are pointing in the direction of Claire Byrne when it comes to The Late Late Show.
“Along with news reports, we witnessed a rush of bets in favour of Byrne first thing this morning despite her short odds. As a result, we have decided to suspend betting on the market for the time being.”
There have been a few hints that Byrne may step in as the next host. When announcing his departure on St Patrick's Day, current host Ryan Tubridy wished good luck to whoever "she may be" suggesting the role of host is most likely going to be handed over to a female.
Meanwhile, it was announced recently that Byrne will be hosting a brand-new quiz show, Ireland’s Smartest that pits three of Ireland’s brainiest against each other.
The show begins with a general knowledge round followed by a category round and a potential bonus point is added each time a contestant gets an answer early with their buzzer.
The contestant who has the lowest number of points will be eliminated before the quick-fire round, where the remaining contestants will face off.
In the final round, a time trial will be used that will see the first contestant set a time that the other contestant must beat.
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