"Whoever gets that gig is going to be really, really lucky"

Patrick Kielty is now the bookie's favourite to take over from Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show. The presenter finally addressed the rumours he's set to take on the huge presenting gig at the IFTA's last night. Kielty said the Late Late is one of the "greatest TV shows on the planet" but taking over would be incredibly tough. He told Goss.ie "Whoever gets that gig is going to be really, really lucky. The one thing people have to remember though, is, how big shoes they are to fill. “You know, I’ve done a chat show before, I’ve done a live show before, it’s hard," he continued. "Whenever you’ve been on The Late Late Show as a guest and sat close to Ryan, you see how he does his stuff.” Kielty became the favourite after Claire Byrne and Sarah McInerney stepped out of the running. Both broadcasters confirmed they will not be taking over from Ryan Tubridy last week. Byrne stressed that she is happy with her career at the moment and is focusing on her radio show. She also said she wants to spend time with her young family and taking on a role like the Late Late would be too intense at this time. Sarah McInerney also said she is content with her work on Prime Time and RTÉ Drivetime, especially with the election coming up. She told her followers, "There's an election coming, maybe next year. Prime Time and Drivetime will be at the centre of RTÉ's coverage. Like all political nerds. I can't wait." McInerney added, "Ryan Tubridy has done an exceptional job at the helm of The Late Late Show. I'll really miss him on Friday nights, and I wish his successor the very best of luck."

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