Ryan Tubridy has been announced as the host Virgin Radio UK’s mid-morning chat show.
The former Late Late Show presenter will be on-air from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday from early January.
He joins the likes of Chris Evans, Jayne Middlemiss and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson on the Virgin Radio UK roster.
'New beginnings'
“I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter with Virgin Radio,” Tubridy said in a statement.
“New city, new station, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning.”
The former RTÉ presenter offered a big thanks to, “the London Irish who have made me feel so welcome in recent weeks”.
“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 said.
🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT!
Ryan Tubridy is joining Virgin Radio!
He’ll be hosting Monday-Friday from 10am-1pm and starts with us in January 📻
Welcome to the station ❤️#RyanTubridy @Q102FeelGood #ChrisEvansBreakfastShow pic.twitter.com/tJ6ofAaRFT
— Virgin Radio UK (@VirginRadioUK) November 16, 2023
RTÉ announced in August that Tubridy would not be returning to his presenting role at RTÉ, with Director General Kevin Bakhurst saying he had "decided not to continue with negotiations" with the Dubliner.
That came after the State broadcaster was thrust into scandal when it emerged it had been paying him significantly more than it had declared to the public or the Oireachtas.
The scandal brought RTÉ’s wider financial woes to light and earlier this week, the broadcaster set out its ‘strategic vision’ for the future – including plans to cut 400 jobs through a voluntary redundancy scheme.
As part of the scheme, Mr Bakhurst has announced that nobody at the broadcaster, including its top presenters will be paid more than his own salary of €250,000 in the future.
'Beyond delighted'
Virgin Radio UK Content Director, Mike Cass said he was “beyond delighted” to welcome Tubridy to 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.
He said he will be the "perfect mid-morning companion and the ideal tag-partner for Chris Evans”.
Main image shows Ryan Tubridy with fellow Virgin Radio UK host Chris Evans. Image: Virgin Radio UK
