Ryan Tubridy could return to RTÉ as rumours circulate

Tubridy left the broadcaster after a payment scandal two years ago

Rumours have started to circulate hinting at the presenter's potential return to the national broadcaster after he was seen with RTÉ’s Director General Kevin Bakhurst, as reported by the Irish Independent.

It is believed the pair met for "coffee and a chat" in recent weeks.

A source told the outlet: "Bakhurst is having cups of coffee with Tubs, so purgatory may be temporary."

The alleged meeting is understood to be the first meeting since Tubridy's departure from RTÉ in 2023 after becoming involved in a major scandal over undisclosed payments.

RTÉ admitted that Tubridy received two payments of €75,000 (totalling €150,000), each in 2022.

The payment was linked to an agreement from 2020, under which Ryan was to receive €225,000 over three years in return for attending three corporate events on behalf of The Late Late Show sponsor, Renault.

He eventually received two payments of €75,000 through a barter account.

These payments were not included in RTÉ’s published list of presenter salaries, leading to a national uproar once they came to light.

Back in August, it was announced that Tubridy, who now works for Virgin Radio in the UK, had returned the €150,000 he received from the broadcaster.

Tubridy claimed to have made the repayment "without any discussions with RTE, or with anyone acting on their behalf, and without condition."

RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said two years ago that he would leave the door open for Ryan to return someday.