The race to replace Ryan Tubridy as The Late Late Show host looks to be gradually turning into a one-horse race as the clear favourite gathers momentum in the betting.
Since it was announced that Ryan would be calling time on his 14-year spell at the helm of RTE's flagship weekend chat show, bookmakers have been offering odds on the next host.
Claire Byrne remains the obvious favourite for the gig and she has seen her odds plummet even further, with a recent surge making the current affairs presenter 2/5 to be the next host of The Late Late Show.
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Claire's closest competition for the role seems to be Co Down comedian Patrick Kielty, who has seen his odds slashed from 16/1 to 5/2 and is one of few men in the running as other female presenters such as Sarah McInerney, Angela Scanlon, Doireann Garrihy, Kathryn Thomas, Ciara Doherty and Jennifer Zamparelli have all featured prominently in the betting.
Spokesperson for BoyleSports, Sarah Kinsella, said: "The odds have tightened on Claire Byrne for the first time in about two weeks and despite a recent lull in the betting, interest has piqued again.
"Patrick Kielty is in close pursuit but has a lot of ground to make in the race for the top job at Montrose."
Tubridy will host his final Late Late Show on May 26, before the weekly programme takes a break for the summer. It remains to be seen when RTE will formally announce a replacement.
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