Claire Byrne has ruled herself out as the new host of RTÉ’s Late Late Show.
The broadcaster and mother of three has now said that she is no longer performing, saying that raising her young children and her weekly program on RTÉ Raidió 1 are her priorities.
On her Instagram account, she added: “”I have a young family, a busy home life and a full-time radio job that I love, and right now, that is enough for me. While I’d never rule out other TV projects, the Late Late Show should be presented by someone who can give it the time and dedication that it deserves,” reports RTE.
Ryan Tubridy announced he was leaving the long-running program after 14 years last March, with his wife Byrne’s name among those to replace him in the role.
She added that she was “honoured” to have her name associated with “such a prestigious broadcasting role. The show is an iconic one which demands huge commitment from the presenter, as demonstrated so well by Ryan, Pat and Gay,” reports RTE.
Ryan Tubridy will host his Late Late final on May 26 and Baz Ashmawy, Miriam O’Callaghan, Brendan O’Connor, Tommy Tiernan, Sarah McInerney and Patrick Kielty have all been named in the ongoing speculation about his replacement.
It is reported that RTÉ is favoring a female host on the program for the first time in its history.
However, Ms O’Callaghan ruled herself out of the competition shortly after Tubridy announced his retirement.
Claire Byrne left her current news program Claire Byrne Live Monday Nights last year, citing her family and radio commitments as the reasons for her exit, reports RTE.
She continues to present Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio One and hosts the new Ireland’s Smartest on Sunday nights quiz.
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