Could Navan funnyman Tommy take over from Tubs on the Late Late Show?

With the announcement of legendary Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy stepping down many are wondering who will become the next presenter of the iconic talk show.

While RTÉ has deferred making a decision until the Summer, proposed candidates have already been circulating online with Miriam O'Callaghan, Claire Byrne, Vogue Williams, Marty Whelan and Ray D'Arcy namechecked as possible successors

But one name that keeps popping up is Navan's very own funnyman, Tommy Tiernan.

There's no denying that the 53-year-old comedian has his fair share of stage experience, with his stand-up credentials backing his own hit talk show, The Tommy Tiernan Show gathering huge audiences on Saturday nights.

Based on the premise that both Tommy and the audience have no idea who the guest will be until they walk out on stage, the Meath celebrity has no pre-prepared questions or research, which certainly makes for an entertaining watch and is why the show has gained so much popularity ever since it first aired back in 2017.

Ryan Tubridy will present his final Late Late Show at 9.35pm on Friday, May 26th on RTÉ One but will continue to present his radio show on weekday mornings on RTÉ Radio 1.

Commenting on his decision, he said: "It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last 14 years."

Whether it's Tommy Tiernan or President Michael D. Higgins himself, the next Late Late Show presenter won't be revealed until later this summer.

Tubridy took over the role of host from Pat Kenny back in 2009 with his first guest being the then taoiseach Barry Cowen. The original Late Late show host Gay Byrne was also a guest on the show later in the year.

"I want to thank the tremendous teams of producers, researchers, crew and executives who have done the hard work to keep the show on the road over the years.  Many have become dear friends.

"Also, to the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to the Late Late Show, week in, week out. Not only did you raise €30 million for Irish charities including over €15 million for children's charities all over the island that are particularly close to my heart, but you showed incredible generosity of spirit for which I am profoundly grateful.

"I was often touched by the kind comments of viewers stopping me on the street or at the supermarket on a Saturday to say 'thank you' or 'well done' for highlighting an issue that affected them or their families on the previous night's show.  Go raibh maith agaibh.

"And finally, to my family who stood by me every day of every week, year in, year out. To my daughters especially, they put up with so much and I am as grateful to them as I am awestruck by them."

RTÉ director general Dee Forbes said: "I would like to thank Ryan and acknowledge his enormous commitment to the Late Late Show during the seven years I have had the privilege to work with him. The Late Late Show is a TV phenomenon at home and abroad which continues to hold a special place in Irish life and Ryan can take enormous credit for that.

"He had big shoes to fill, but he has made the show his own over the past 14 years.

"The transformation of the Late Late Toy Show into a national event celebrating Irish children and the most popular television programme in Ireland every year is testament to his talents as a broadcaster and his ability to create a unique connection with children and audiences all over Ireland, and beyond.

"There are so many great memories and special moments to look back on, and more to come, which we will rightly celebrate in the months ahead."