Claire who's fave to be host

Byrne bookies pick for the Late Late gig

-  SANDRA MALLON

RTE star Claire Byrne looks likely to be announced as the next host of The Late Late Show.

Sources have claimed the Laois woman is expected to be revealed as the new presenter of the Friday night chat show before Ryan Tubridy steps down on May 26.

A TV insider said: “Claire is the most talked about person in RTE at the moment. Everyone is saying she will be the show’s next host if she wants it.

“Claire stepped away from telly almost a year ago to concentrate on her family but when she was announced to host a new quiz show, Ireland’s Smartest, next month, everyone speculated she wants to return to TV.

“When she finished hosting Claire Byrne Tonight she was told she’ll probably end up as host of The Late Late Show some day.”

Even host Tubridy has pointed the finger at who he would like to see as the next presenter.

SOULFUL

Speaking to Claire on her RTE Radio 1 show last week, Ryan said: “I could give you 50 reasons as to why I am leaving The Late Late Show but the one I can only give you that is the most prosaic and the most soulful is you know when you know and I know. I know in my heart, and I know in my mind.

“The Toy Show went into a different orbit. I can’t believe there won’t be any more toy shows with me but there will be Toy Shows with the next person, whoever that might be,” gesturing to Claire in studio.

Claire said: “You’re talking to a person who walked away from work,” but Ryan asked: “Would you not consider walking back?”

Claire added: “Listen, let’s not go there. Now listen, let’s talk about the Toy Show.”