An Irish comedian is the bookies' favourite to co-host the Rose of Tralee this year with Dáithí Ó Sé.
The Rose of Tralee International Festival, one of Ireland’s top festivals, returns to Tralee, Co Kerry from August 18-22.
With a shake-up on the cards for the 64-year-old show, BoyleSports has tipped a new favourite to take the second co-host seat.
Read More: Doireann Garrihy backed for Rose of Tralee role as shake-up expected
Deirdre O’Kane is now the hot favourite at 4/1 according to the bookmaker, while rumours continue to swirl that a search is under way for a new co-host for the Rose of Tralee.
While the search for a new Late Late Show host has concluded, RTÉ bosses are looking for a female presenter to front the annual festival alongside Kerry man Dáithí Ó Sé, who has been at the helm since succeeding Ray D’Arcy in 2010.
Co Louth-born stand-up comedian O’Kane is the front-runner in a list of candidates such as second-favourite, Dancing With The Stars host Jennifer Zamparelli (6/1) and joint third-favourite Doireann Garrihy (7/1).
Anna Geary is also a 7/1 shot after stepping away as a coach of Ireland’s Fittest Family.
Much further down the list is former Ireland AM presenter Anna Daly and Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas at 8/1 apiece, although the chances of Holly Willoughby heading across the Irish Sea sit at 100/1.
Lawrence Lyons, a spokesperson for BoyleSports said: "It’s been a busy year for the RTÉ recruiters and with rumblings that a Rose Of Tralee shake-up is next on the cards, Deirdre O’Kane is being picked out from a talented pool of candidates."
