Viewers were left emotional last night after RTE star Ryan Tubridy signed off as host of the Late Late Show for the last time.
The episode had multiple highlights, from a thought-provoking interview with President Higgins to U2 giving the host a red Vespa as a gift and PJ Gallagher driving into the studio with it, to Saoirse Ronan and Tubridy’s idol Paul McCartney sending him video messages.
Charlie Bird made an emotional speech which reduced viewers to tears, and Ryan met Adam King and Saoirse Ruane, the girl who started off the Late Late Toy Show appeal, which so far has raised €18m. Also, Jedward made a surprise appearance which was the highlight of the event for some fans.
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Many viewers took to Twitter to share their reactions and wish the outgoing host all the best. Some of them were left feeling more emotional than others, with one viewer commenting: “No longer the driest week in Ireland after Ryan’s final Late Late Show.”
Another viewer said: “Nice, the way it's all focused on past guests and the attention is on them. Gay Byrne and Pat Kenny had celebs on telling them how great they were. Tubs deflects the minute attention is put on him.”
A third one said: “What a great Late Late Show finale for Ryan Tubridy. So many people gathered together to thank him for his 14 years at the helm of the Late Late. So very deserving. We will all miss you Ryan but we wish you the very best of luck in your future endeavours.”
The production of the episode was also praised, with one viewer saying: "Ryan Tubridy’s final Late Late Show was a great production. Well done to all involved. Guests who matter most were chosen, real people with genuine stories to tell. Wonderful to see Saoirse, Adam & Co. Ryan is leaving on a high.”
Many were left emotional over Charlie Bird’s speech in which he said he doesn't know how much time he has left but that he will continue helping Pieta and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. He said: "I know I'm on my final journey but I will continue to extend the hand of friendship for as long as I can."
One viewer wrote: “God bless you Charlie Bird you inspire the island of Ireland every single day - we love you! #LateLate.”
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While another added: “What an amazing Late Late - wonderful guests including Charlie Bird. He is such an inspiration. Very best wishes to Ryan Tubridy, he will be missed. Also great to see Paul McCartney.”
Despite Paul McCartney sending him off and Bono giving him a motorbike, some felt that RTE could’ve given Ryan a bigger sendoff. One person said: “They could and should have done more for Ryan. It wasn’t quite the sendoff that [Gay Byrne] got.”
Fans of the show also praised other guests, including President Higgins. One of them said: “Michael D Higgins is such a tonic in these turbulent times. A voice of reason and integrity.”
Many of the other guests in the studio were activists that had appeared on the show previously, or children who were once in the Toy Show appeal. One fan wrote: “Sometimes it’s hard to turn on the telly as the stories can be tough and demoralising. Tonight’s Late Late Show represents all that is good about our country and culture. Ryan Tubridy supporting children and enabling good through charitable acts is a lovely theme so far.”
There was one comment that perhaps summarised the entire appeal of Ryan as a Late Late host for the past 14 years. “Like him or not, Ryan is a good egg - the little girl crying in the audience says it all.” The comment was referring to a little girl that started crying because he was no longer going to host the Toy Show.
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