The country was left shocked last week when Ryan Tubridy announced his departure from the Late Late Show.
Rumours were rife in recent weeks around his potential exit from the show, but most people believed he would maintain his presenting role for a few more years.
Today, an RTE insider has reportedly revealed that two presenters may fill his shoes in a significant format shake-up, according to the Sunday World.
The anonymous insider told the publication: “The Late Late Show will definitely continue on without Ryan in the job, but that the world is their oyster now regarding the presenter choice and show format”.
They went on to say that most people think the job will be handed over to presenters who already work for the national broadcaster.
“A lot of people assume it will be an inside presenter but I wouldn’t be shocked if they look outside for fresh faces,” they said.
“And don’t be surprised if they choose two presenters… a male and female.
“Whoever it is won’t be officially announced until the summer; possibly even August. It will create publicity and hype for the show”.
When asked who they thought would be a good fit for the role, the insider said: “My money would be on Claire Byrne or Sarah McInerney. Tommy [Tiernan] is well thought of also.
“Two presenters would mean a change of format also, which may not be a bad thing.
“People say it is too long but it is a big money earner so it will be hard to cut back too much.
Tubridy revealed that May 26 will be his final stint on the historic show, just days before his 50th birthday.
Speaking to Claire Byrne, he also ruled out the potential for staying on to present the annual Toy Show, to which he said “absolutely no”.
He went on to tell Byrne: “I could give you 50 reasons about why I’m leaving The Late Late Show”.
However, rather than explaining any of those reasons he said: “You know when you know; and I know in my heart it’s time”.
Who will step into the role?
Today, it was revealed by Ladbrokes that Claire Byrne has emerged as the new favourite to replace Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show.
When the news was initially confirmed, bookies had Miriam O’Callaghan as the early favourite, but following a surge in support in recent days, Claire Byrne is now top of the list after her odds went from to 6/4 from 3/1.
Miriam is still in the mix on 3/1 followed by fellow RTE star Ray D’Arcy who rounds off the top three on 8/1.
Brendan O’Connor is another popular bet at 10/1 to take over the Late Late Show gig, as is Tommy Tiernan who can be backed at 16/1.
Sarah McInerney is currently priced at 18/1 to swap her Radio One afternoon show for the prime-time TV presenter slot.
The bookies are also offering odds of 18/1 for Love Island winner Greg O’Shea, the recently announced co-host of Virgin Media’s Six O’Clock show, to make the jump to RTE for the Late Late Show job.
There is also interest in Marty Morrissey, while Ireland AM’s Alan Hughes is in with an outsider shot at 40/1.
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