MARTY Morrissey has revealed that he expressed an interest in becoming the next host of RTÉ's Late Late Show.
The sports commentator and television presenter said he asked if could be considered to take over from Ryan Tubridy after he announced he was leaving the Friday night chat show earlier this year.
Mr Morrissey said he informed senior management that he would be interested in taking on the role.
“I did put my hand up to be honest but I didn’t get it. I said I would be interested - like everybody else," he told the Irish Mirror.
“Sure you’d put your hand up for anything that’s going."
However, last week it was confirmed that Co Down comedian Patrick Kielty had been named successor to Turbidy.
Kielty, who hails from Dundrum, will become the fourth host of the long-running show for its 61st season.
Mr Morrissey said he was delighted that Kielty had landed the role.
“I’m delighted Patrick Kielty got the job. Me and him have been good friends for years," he said.
“When I launched my book, he did a video piece for me. We’ve done gigs together and I’ve great time for him.
“I rang him and I’ve been chatting to him.
"I think he’s going to come to a football or hurling match with me.
“He’s genuinely a great choice and I think he will bring a new dimension to the Late Late Show."
Kielty will begin hosting the next season of the Late Late Show from September.
Arrangements are being made to allow the father-of-two to be able to broadcast his weekly BBC radio show from Belfast, just hours after he hosts the RTÉ chat show.
The comedian usually presents his Radio 5 Live show from London on Saturday mornings from 9-11am.
But with the Late Late Show on air less than 12 hours before, Kielty is set to change his London studio base to Belfast.
Speaking after his new role was confirmed, he said: "I’m absolutely thrilled to be the next host of The Late Late Show.
“To follow in the footsteps of Gay, Pat and Ryan as the next custodian is a real honour and I can’t thank RTÉ enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the next chapter of such an iconic show.
“I’m also genuinely humbled to become part of Friday nights for so many Irish people, at home and around the world. I can’t wait to get started on one of the greatest jobs in television.”
His wife and fellow broadcaster Cat Deeley also has said she believes he has the "right balance" of skills for taking over the RTÉ show.
"I know that he would do the most phenomenal job as, you know, he’s got the right balance of entertainment and politics, and he’s got skin in the game in that he’s very aware of what happens in Ireland all the time," she said.
