Ryan Tubridy Reflects on His Time at The Late Late Show
Ryan Tubridy, a well-known TV and radio host, has shared his thoughts on his decision to leave The Late Late Show. He emphasized that he chose to step down before he felt the job had lost its appeal. In March 2023, he announced that he would be leaving the show in May after 14 years as its presenter.
However, just months later, Tubridy found himself involved in a significant scandal related to undisclosed payments from RTE, the national broadcaster. This led to his departure from the organization. Despite this, Tubridy has expressed that he doesn’t miss hosting The Late Late Show, stating that he “had his fill” of the role.
A Positive Experience at RTE
Speaking on the Opinion Line on Cork’s 96 FM, Tubridy highlighted that while he no longer misses the job, he cherished his time at RTE. He described the experience as positive, noting that he loved the people he worked with and the opportunities it provided.
He said: “I loved presenting the shows that I did, the presenting the Late Late Show. I actually loved my time in RTE. I had a great time there, but I left the Late Late Show because I’d had my fill, and it was joyful.”
Tubridy also mentioned that he was afraid that continuing as the host might eventually lead to a loss of joy for the high-profile job. He believed that staying on would have been a mistake, as he was at his peak during his tenure.
A Memorable Farewell
Despite the challenges, Tubridy received a “beautiful send-off” from RTE. He declined to discuss the final months at the broadcaster, but he recalled that even someone arranged for Paul McCartney to send a video message for the last show. This moment was a highlight of his time at the network.
He moved on to new ventures, including Virgin Radio and Q102, where he found a different kind of joy. However, he still hears the nickname “Toy Man” from his time presenting the Late Late Toy Show.
New Beginnings in London
Tubridy recently got engaged to Dr Clare Kambamettu and has embraced life in London. At 52, he admitted that moving to London was a late start for him, as he had never lived abroad before turning 50. He enjoys the city’s energy and finds it exciting.
Upcoming Events in Cork
This weekend, Tubridy will be in Cork for the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry, where he will be interviewed by Graham Norton. Norton, known for his own chat show, is a prolific writer who often attends writing festivals.
Tubridy shared that Norton sent him a lovely message, expressing excitement about their upcoming conversation. He added that they plan to have a glass of ale afterward to continue their discussion. For Tubridy, returning to Cork is always a pleasure, and he looks forward to engaging with the local community.
Looking Ahead
As he continues to explore new opportunities and embrace different roles, Tubridy remains grateful for his past experiences. His journey through media and entertainment has been marked by dedication, passion, and a willingness to evolve. Whether on television, radio, or in literary events, he continues to make an impact and inspire those around him.
