Veteran presenter and Prime Time host Miriam O'Callaghan has ruled herself out as the next potential host of the Late Late Show, saying she is “not throwing my hat into the ring to be considered”.
As the search for the new RTÉ Late Late Show host gets underway, Ms O'Callaghan said the speculation over her being “one of the favourites to take over the Late Late Show is very flattering” but that “won’t be happening” because she has not put herself forward for the job.
In her statement, O’Callaghan described the Late Late Show as the “jewel in the crown of Irish broadcasting” and an “institution stitched into the fabric of Irish life” but, she said: “I love my job too much on Prime Time to leave it”.
Comedian Patrick Kielty has been described as the "ideal" frontman for the flagship chat show.
The Co Down broadcaster and comedian, whose experience includes work as a guest presenter on ITV's This Morning and BBC's The One Show, was suggested to replace outgoing Late Late host Ryan Tubridy by a former star of sitcom Mrs Brown's Boys.
Rory Cowan, who played Rory Brown in the BBC comedy alongside creator and star Brendan O'Carroll, suggested Mr Kielty as a host in a weekend tweet.
"It seems everyone in Ireland is talking about who will replace Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Show. I think Patrick Kielty would be ideal," the Dublin actor posted.
"He’s well capable of doing the serious and light interviews. I think he’d be a terrific host of the show."
Several Twitter users agreed with his suggestion, while others said Mr Cowan himself could take the role - a move he firmly ruled out.
Mr Kielty last appeared as a Late Late guest in February 2022, when he discussed his movie debut in the film Ballywalter.
Mr Tubridy announced this month his 14-year stint presenting the Late Late Show was ending, and hinted during the recent St Patrick's Day special of the show that the next presenter would be a woman.
A little news - just to stop all the questions, including from my wonderful Mum pic.twitter.com/9nTp5A5baW
— Miriam O'Callaghan (@MiriamOCal) March 21, 2023
"I want to wish my successor, whoever she may be, the very best of luck. I jest, but good luck to whoever is next and I'll be supporting them, but I'm not gone just yet," he told viewers.
The Co Dublin broadcaster said it had been a "real privilege" to host what he described as "this great institution" and had "met some of the most inspiring people" in the role.
He added: "To the audience at home, you guys have blown me away time after time, especially bowled over by your generosity time after time, raising millions for those who need it.
"That's really something, and I will always be very proud of that I played a part in that, and I would like to thank you for staying with me, with us, on the show."
Among those tipped to take over include RTÉ current affairs broadcaster Claire Byrne and journalist and presenter Sarah McInerney. Others have suggested comedian Tommy Tiernan as a replacement.
Mr Tiernan currently hosts RTÉ's The Tommy Tiernan Show, in which he chats with guests who have included Patrick Kielty.
