Pat Kenny will return to hosting duties on The Late Late Show this Friday night after some sad news for his successor Ryan Tubridy.

Dr. Pat Tubridy, father of RTÉ presenter Ryan, has passed away following a short illness.

RTÉ has issued a statement extending its sincere sympathies to the popular presenter and his family and said the presenter will be taking some time off to grieve. 

Fellow 2fm DJ Dave Fanning will take over Tubridy’s 9-11am radio show, while Pat Kenny will return as Late Late show presenter for the first time since he stepped down from the role in 2009.

The late Gerry Ryan presented one episode of the show in 1998 in place of Pat Kenny, following the death of Pat’s mother.