Patrick Kielty is now the bookies’ favourite to take over as the new Late Late Show host as previous No 1 favourite, Sarah McInerney, rules herself out of the role.
The RTE Drivetime broadcaster issued a statement this morning on her personal social media, less than 24 hours after Claire Byrne announced that she had pulled herself out of the running for the gig.
"I’d like to confirm that I’m not taking over the Late Late Show from either Ryan Tubridy or James Cordon," Sarah wrote. "Nor have I sought Waystar from Logan Roy.
READ MORE - Claire Byrne rules herself out of the running to be the next host of The Late Late Show
"Though the prospect of grilling young children over their toy choices every December would be enticing, I let RTE management know a couple of weeks ago that I wouldn’t be throwing my hat in the ring."
Sarah revealed that she would be concentrating on her career in political broadcasting for RTE and described herself as a "political nerd."
"There’s an election coming," she continued, "maybe next year. Prime Time and Drivetime will be at the centre of RTE’s coverage. Like all political nerds, I can’t wait."
The Galway mum-of-two went on to praise Ryan Tubridy, who will leave the role at the end of this month after 14 years as host of The Late Late Show.
"Ryan Tubridy has done an exceptional job at the helm of the Late Late Show," she added.
"I’ll really miss him on Friday nights, and I wish his successor the very best of luck."
READ NEXT:
- Man who stunned Regency Trial with evidence about getaway driver insists he did not lie to the court
- Additional tickets released for Katie Taylor v Chantelle Cameron ranging from €258 to €1,525
- Ged McKenna - who cleaned up house where Keane Mulready-Woods was murdered - walks free from prison
- 'Thundery downpours' and 'spot flooding' predicted in Met Eireann weekend forecast
- Claire Byrne rules herself out of the running to be the next host of The Late Late Show
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here