Ryan Tubridy lands weekday slot on Virgin Radio
Mr Tubridy's new show will follow Chris Evans' breakfast show
- Published
Former RTÉ presenter Ryan Tubridy is joining Virgin Radio to present a new weekday mid-morning show, it has been announced.
The 50-year-old, once Ireland's highest-paid broadcaster, said he “couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter” with the London based station.
Mr Tubridy left RTÉ earlier this year following a high-profile financial scandal.
In June, it emerged he had received thousands of euros in undisclosed payments from the Irish broadcaster.
“New city, new station, new beginnings,” Mr Tubridy said in a statement announcing his new role at Virgin.
“I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning,” he said.
“On a personal note, this is a big day for my wonderful family who I hope to make proud, and also the people who advised me so well recently and got me to this moment”.
He takes up his new role in January 2024.
Mr Tubridy had presented the Late Late Show for 14 years
Mr Tubridy stepped down as host of the Late Late Show in March after 14 years at the helm of the longest-running late-night talk show in Europe.
He had also hosted a weekday radio programme.
The financial scandal that led to Mr Tubridy leaving RTÉ came to light in June after auditors raised concerns about the broadcaster’s accounting methods.
Mr Tubridy was paid €345,000 more than his publicly declared salary over a five-year period from 2017 to 2022.
Some of the undisclosed payments were made through barter accounts - a system where goods and services are exchanged for other services such as advertising slots.
A further examination of RTÉ's finances revealed it operated three barter accounts which showed some unusual transactions.
Items charged to the barter accounts included €12,000 for Bruce Springsteen concert tickets and almost €5,000 for 200 pairs of flipflops for a summer party.
'Preeminent broadcaster '
Virgin Radio’s content director Mike Cass said he was “beyond delighted” that the Dubliner was joining the station.
“He has been the preeminent broadcaster in Ireland for years and Virgin Radio will bring his warmth, humour and unique charisma to the UK audience properly for the first time,” he said.