RTÉ star Marty Morrissey has revealed he asked if he could host the Late Late Show.
The popular presenter revealed to us that he told senior management he would be interested in taking over from Ryan Tubridy, who stepped down last Friday after 14 years.
But the much-loved sports correspondent revealed station bosses turned him down and instead chose Patrick Kielty to take over the Friday night chat show.
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He said: “I did put my hand up to be honest but I didn’t get it. I said I would be interested - like everybody else.
“Sure you’d put your hand up for anything that’s going,” he said laughing.
But the Clare man said he was “delighted” for his pal Patrick Kielty getting the job.
“I’m delighted Patrick Kielty got the job. Me and him have been good friends for years.
“When I launched my book, he did a video piece for me. We’ve done gigs together and I’ve great time for him.
“I rang him and I’ve been chatting to him. I think he’s going to come to a football or hurling match with me.
“He’s genuinely a great choice and I think he will bring a new dimension to the Late Late Show,” he said on the first day of Bord Bia Bloom festival.
Showcasing the Raising Amazing Garden at the Bloom Festival, Marty said he believes Patrick will change the format of the show to suit a new audience.
“I would imagine (he would bring an American comedic format) to the show. He has an array of skills.
“I don’t know and I haven’t been talking to anybody but I presume they’ll change the format.”
And he defended speculation that Patrick's London base might make him out of touch with Irish society.
“I think Paddy will know exactly what is going on.
“When I was talking to him the other day he was above in Dundrum in Co Down.”
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