Ryan Tubridy has said he thinks Claire Byrne "did the right thing" by ruling herself out of the running to be the next Late Late Show host - as he warns of the scrutiny of the high-profile role.
Sarah McInerney has now also ruled herself out of the race to replace Ryan after Claire confirmed yesterday on social media that she was no longer in the running.
Their statements have put an end to weeks of speculation that either female presenter will take over from Ryan when he departs at the end of this month.
READ MORE - Sarah McInerney rules herself out of The Late Late Show host race as she's determined to focus on politics
Comedian Patrick Kielty is now the favourite to take over the Late Late role with the bookies placing him at 6/5 with Baz Ashmawy snapping at his heels in second place at 3/1.
Ryan said this morning of Claire’s decision: "She is someone who I admire. She made a good decision. She’s got a young family."
"It’s the best job but the most difficult job," Ryan said of the Late Late role.
The presenter admitted that nowadays, things are tougher than when Gay Byrne or Pat Kenny hosted the show due to the pressures of social media.
"You have no privacy," he said.
"You are ‘on’ the moment you leave your front door. You will be filmed wherever you go.
"It may be a strange thing to say as an outgoing presenter."
But Ryan has admitted his relief about not being 'on' all the time once he retires from the TV role that he’s held for 14 years.
"You are on the moment you leave your front door.
"I’m ok with not having selfies for the rest of my life."
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