Ryan Tubridy says his daughters are good for calling him out on his mistakes as has opened up about how their relationship has changed as they have grown older.
The Late Late Show host shares two daughters, Ella, 23, and Julia, 17, with ex-wife Anne Marie Power.
And as one of RTE’s top stars, he is known for remaining guarded about his personal life off air and screen, and tries to keep his family and relationships out of the public eye.
But opening up about the importance of family to help him unwind from his busy work life, the doting dad said he feels ‘lucky’ to have such a good relationship with his children.
He said: “We have a very beautiful relationship and friendship, so I am very lucky.”
“They are young women now so we can have a few drinks together, we can have nights out, nights in.”
“They’re at that lovely age when they are showing me up for the fool that I can be, and calling me out on the mistakes that I make,” he told RTE Guide.
It comes as the 49-year-old host has returned to the hot seat at RTE after a summer break spent travelling around Connemara and catching up with friends and family.
On how that helps him unwind and recharge ahead of another busy season at the helm of his radio show and The Late Late Show in September, he said: “They are my advisors, my friends, my companions.
"Maybe it’s everything we have come through with Covid that has heightened this, but for me, time with my family is what is most important.”
But the popular presenter insists he still loves what he does on air and screen, and has no plans on slowing down anytime soon.
Asked if he has any plans to dabble in any other area of work, he said: “I haven't formulated any ideas because I am not going anywhere yet, today or tomorrow. But obviously, someday when that happens, it will be great to flex different muscles intellectually and curiosity wise.
“I know I absolutely won’t be left wondering what to do next when that day comes.
“I am turning 50 next May and so I think I will be reflecting on it all in the next few years, but as I say, not in the near future.”
He went on to reflect on his life, including love and loss in the past, as he discussed reaching the milestone birthday.
“I am stoical enough about it.
"I think my 30s were all about trying to build something; my 40s were a mish-mash of adventure, discovery, love and loss. Now, I am heading towards 50 and I am wondering at what point do you become a fully fledged adult.
“I am still wondering about that because I thought it was meant to happen years ago. I still find myself with this child like wonder at times.”
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