Talks begin to find new ‘Late Late Show’ host – but is Claire Byrne a shoo-in?

Former RTÉ and Today FM boss Willie O’Reilly reiterated the sentiment that gender is a factor.

“It would be anomalous that you would have a show that’s been on the air for 60 years that didn’t have a female presenter.”

On Thursday, Pat Kenny also told listeners on his Newstalk show: “It’s almost inevitable it will be a woman.”

Outgoing host Ryan Tubridy told viewers of Friday night’s show that he wished his successor luck, “whoever she is”.

In an interview on Today with Claire Byrne — his first interview after the news broke — Tubridy asked the bookies’ favourite to replace him if she would like the job. Byrne laughed off the comment.

On Thursday morning, Tubridy gathered the Late Late production team in RTÉ to tell them that he was leaving the show, before a press release was sent to news outlets.

One insider said: “Some were crying, there were tears, everyone was in shock. Ryan said what he later repeated to Claire Byrne — the time is right to leave the party.”

Meanwhile, an RTÉ source has told the Sunday Independent that they will not repeat the mistakes of the past, when it comes to finding a new host for the iconic chat show.

“When Pat [Kenny] stepped down, the process to find his replacement was dragged out. People made it clear they wanted the job, speculation went on for far too long, and feelings were hurt.

"This time it’ll be different. A successor will be picked quickly. The decision will be made in April and it’ll probably announced the following week, certainly by May.”

Asked if the Late Late faced other changes, the source said: “The show should probably be cut by half an hour. So it can finish by 11pm.”

Asked if RTÉ will keep the show’s title, they said: “Absolutely. The brand is far too strong to change it.”

A separate source said Byrne’s approach to Claire Byrne Live will give an indication as to how she will approach any potential negotiations.

“Claire has already shown she will walk away from a presenting job if it isn’t in line with what she wants. I think she’s open to the idea, but she’ll want to shake up the show and make it her own. It will be on the basis of ‘terms and conditions apply’.

A third RTÉ insider said: “Claire is very happy in the job she’s doing, and given her decision to step away from Claire Byrne Live, she would have to consider whether she would want to commit to a mammoth show for 37 weeks of the year.”

Asked whether a new presenter would have to be a woman, they said: “Definitely not. It has to be the person who will bring in the numbers. Pure and simple. The Late Late is too important for RTÉ not to get the best person to host it. They’ll know that too.”

Asked if age matters, Willie O’Reilly said he thought any new presenter would need “the zing of youth”.

“It wouldn’t be the deciding factor, but they need someone who could be there for 10 years. I think 30 is probably too young — and 55 is probably too old nowadays. So it’s somewhere in the middle.”

As speculation mounted this weekend, some questioned the way the conversation is playing out.

Larry Masterson, former executive producer for two former Late Late presenters (Kenny and Ryan) said talk of gender is unfair on potential candidates — including women.

“The very sad message I’m getting is ‘it has to be a woman’. But if that’s the case, then all men should just pack their bags. It’s an extraordinary phrase, when you think about it.

"If you’re looking for a presenter, you judge on quality and ability. For me that person is Brendan O’Connor.

"Having worked with him, I know what he’s capable of. He’s a terrific interviewer and would bring a freshness and intelligence to the Late Late.”

Other names in the mix include Miriam O’Callaghan, Sarah McInerney, Jennifer Zamparelli, Angela Scanlan and Tommy Tiernan. 

Meanwhile, a RTÉ insider close to the Montrose top brass revealed that focus groups and the station’s new director-general will also have an influence on who gets the job.

“A lot of people are going to have a say in this decision. The big advertisers are going to have to have a say. There could be focus groups. The interviews for the new DG took place last week, and they might want a final say.

"The big question is how are we going to keep this a major stream of revenue in a changed world. And that will mean a major review of the show.”

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Five in the frame

Claire Byrne: The clear frontrunner, Byrne may lack Miriam O’Callaghan’s empathy — but she has gravitas, a light touch, and is tough when required. Odds: 9-4

Miriam O’Callaghan: Versatile and popular with viewers, she boasts an impressive CV — but she lost out to Ryan Tubridy last time. Has the moment passed for her? Odds: 11-4

Sarah McInerney: Formidable presenter growing in confidence. No doubts about her ability to grill interviewees, but does she have enough of a light touch? Odds: 5-1

Brendan O’Connor: Affable weekend radio star whose Cutting Edge TV show made a mark. But not helped by the fact that he would be a fourth male presenter of the show. Odds: 8-1

Jennifer Zamparelli: 2FM presenter with plenty of TV experience has many admirers, but it would be a major surprise if she landed the show. Odds: 8-1

Betting odds: Boylesports

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