Ryan Tubridy Pivots to YouTube, Fueling RTÉ Return Speculation
Following just twelve days of marriage to former Rose of Tralee Clare Kambamettu, Irish broadcasting veteran Ryan Tubridy has announced a significant career shift: stepping down from his midmorning slot on Virgin Radio in the UK to launch a new show on YouTube. The move, described as a surprise by observers, raises questions about the future of the former RTÉ star and potentially opens the door for a return to his former employer.
Tubridy’s new venture, titled The Late Show with Ryan Tubridy, is slated to debut at an unspecified date next year. The series will represent a departure from his previous work, focusing on in-depth explorations of the lives of prominent figures in film, music, sport, and television, aided by insights from journalists and authors. The show will be distributed via YouTube and Times Radio, a platform owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News UK media empire.
This expansion into digital media comes as YouTube increasingly challenges traditional broadcasting models. While still known for a diverse range of content – from amateur live streams to ASMR artists – the platform is gaining recognition as a viable and potentially lucrative space for established media personalities. Tubridy will undoubtedly hope to capitalize on this trend.
Beyond the YouTube show, Tubridy is also developing a new program for talkSPORT, also under the News UK umbrella, and will host a weekend show across the Onic network in Ireland, encompassing Dublin’s Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95, and LMFM. These announcements have reignited speculation about a possible return to RTÉ, specifically as the new anchor of the arts and culture program Arena.
However, RTÉ has officially dismissed these claims, stating they are not currently lining him up as a permanent replacement for the late Seán Rocks, with Rick O’Shea currently filling the role on an interim basis. Despite these denials, the possibility of a Montrose comeback remains, particularly given that the contract of Patrick Kielty, Tubridy’s successor on The Late Late Show, is up for renewal in 2026.
The question of Kielty’s future remains unanswered. Should he choose to depart, Tubridy would likely be considered a strong candidate to reclaim a prominent position within the national broadcaster. Tubridy has already taken steps to mend fences with RTÉ, having repaid the €150,000 he received through the controversial “barter account” – the scandal that initially led to his exit.
Analysts suggest that YouTube offers a potentially larger audience than traditional Irish television. Tubridy is likely aware of the success achieved by his friend, Piers Morgan, with his independently produced YouTube show, Piers Morgan Uncensored. Morgan reportedly received £50 million (€57 million) over three years from News UK to launch the program before securing full ownership. Morgan himself has emphasized the advantages of the platform, stating, “All of them watch YouTube…None of them watch actual television, other than for live sport.”
Tubridy’s previous role at Virgin Radio did not achieve the same level of success as his tenure at RTÉ. Listenership figures for his show on Q102 in Ireland were reported at just 24,000, and his salary – estimated between €57,550 and €92,000 – was significantly lower than the half a million he once earned from the Irish national broadcaster. In the competitive British morning radio market, he was perhaps perceived as too traditional to thrive.
However, Tubridy appears optimistic about his prospects on YouTube, hoping to transform himself from the “Toy Man” – a reference to his long-running role on The Late Late Toy Show – into the “YouTube Man.” Whether this gamble will pay off remains to be seen, but Tubridy’s move signals a bold attempt to reinvent himself in the evolving landscape of media.
