Ryan Tubridy is to step down as presenter of The Late Late Show.

RTÉ announced the move this morning.

Tubridy has been at the helm since 2009 when he took over the role from Pat Kenny.

"Privilege"

In a statement, Tubridy said it has been a “privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last fourteen years”.

“To the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to the Late Late Show, week in, week out,” he said.

“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.”

"Enormous commitment"

Meanwhile, RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes thanked the presenter for his “enormous commitment” to the show over the 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 [Tubridy’s] talents as a broadcaster and his ability to create a unique connection with children and audiences all over Ireland, and beyond,” she said.

“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.”

Presenter Ryan Tubridy is pictured with Toy Show performers Charley Bolster, Layla Ibegu, Sarah Doyle, Nothabo Siziba, Zach Culleton and Kate Butler. Picture by: Andres Poveda

Tubridy said he will "especially miss the annual chaos of The Toy Show”.

“While millions of viewers got to see the thousands of children who made it onto the live show, I saw lots more hopeful singers, messers, dancers and musicians at auditions throughout the country,” he said.

“Suffice to say, I am incredibly positive about and hopeful for the next generation and the contribution they will make to this country.”

Tubridy will present his final show on Friday May 26th.

He will continue presenting his radio show on weekday mornings.