Ryan Tubridy quit the Late Late Show because he was sick of living in the spotlight, pals have revealed.
He also resented being publicly scrutinised year in, year out over his €440,000-a-year salary when he was bringing in millions in commercial revenue for RTE.
The viewing figures have been in decline since the golden days of Gay Byrne when one in three people in the country would watch the show every Saturday night before it was moved to Fridays. However, the powers that be in RTE believed Tubs did a very good job.
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A Late Late Show source said: “Ryan always first and foremost saw himself as a journalist and a presenter.
“He was never comfortable about being portrayed as a celebrity.
“He is a very down to earth and grounded normal guy who unlike many others hates the whole idea of fame.
“Yes he will get his picture taken if somebody asks him but it is not really his scene. He values his privacy and hates being in the public eye.
“He much prefers being anonymous which is why he loves going over to Connemara so much.” Another friend added: “The show as it stands has kind of run its course and 14 years is a long time for a big gig like that.”
Miriam O'Callaghan and Claire Byrne are being mentioned as possible replacements.
But RTE sources say Daithi O Se has as good a chance as anyone after co-hosting the Today Show with Maura Derrane and also as presenter of the Rose of Tralee.
The source added: “He has a proven track record in prime time television.”
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