Ryan Tubridy, one of RTE's top presenters, has announced he is stepping away from the Late Late Show.
The household name has hosted it for the past 14 years and will present his last show in May. Fans will be happy to know the 49-year-old will continue to present his RTE radio show on weekday mornings.
So far, RTE says it has not made any decision on who will replace him on the popular chat show.
READ MORE: Ryan Tubridy to step down from RTE Late Late Show at end of season - live updates
Confirming his decision to step away, Ryan paid tribute to his team on RTE, the viewers and his family.
He said: "It has been a privilege to host the national institution that is the Late Late Show for the last fourteen years. I want to thank the tremendous teams of producers, researchers, crew and executives who have done the hard work to keep the show on the road over the years. Many have become dear friends.
"Also, to the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to the Late Late Show, week in, week out. I was often touched by the kind comments of viewers stopping me on the street or at the supermarket on a Saturday to say 'thank you' or 'well done' for highlighting an issue that affected them or their families on the previous night's show. Go raibh maith agaibh.
"And finally, to my family who stood by me every day of every week, year in, year out. To my daughters especially, they put up with so much and I am as grateful to them as I am awestruck by them."
Over the years, he has shared rare glimpses into his personal life.
Early life
Born in Booterstown, Dublin, in 1973, Ryan was educated at Carysfort National School and Blackrock College. He studied for his Bachelor of Arts in history and Greek and Roman civilisation at University College Dublin, where he was a member of the Fianna Fáil Kevin Barry Cumann and was active in the Students' Union and Belfield FM as well as the Dún Laoghaire branch of Ógra Fianna Fáil.
One of five children, Ryan's siblings are Judith, Niall, Rachel and Garrett. His father, Patrick Tubridy of Blackrock, who died in January 2013, was a medical practitioner and the only son of the Fianna Fáil TD Seán Tubridy. His mother is Catherine (née Andrews), whose father, Todd Andrews, was a prominent associate of Fianna Fáil founder Éamon de Valera and held a number of posts in semi-state companies.
Marriage heartbreak
Ryan met his ex-wife Anne Marie Power in RTE 2Fm in 1997, when she was going into a recording studio that he was leaving.
He previously told how he pursued her for years, and the pair had a daughter, Ella before marrying in 2003.
The couple had another daughter, Julia, before separating in 2006.
Romance rumours
Over the years, Ryan has at various times been linked with Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, a presenter of radio and television. However in 2014, Ryan's agent announced that the pair had separated, saying "Aoibhinn and Ryan are no longer together".
While hostinrg Tubridy Tonight he referred to the type of woman he would like, saying: "I like intelligence, I like a good conversation. I like elegance, I like a girl who is feminine without being vain, I like a little retro in terms of fashion and look and sprinkle it with a little sense of humour. I also love a girl who appreciates the darkness. I'm a lot darker than people think – plenty of dark humour."
Salary
Ryan Tubridy remains the highest earner within RTE, with the broadcaster publishing its highest presenter earnings for 2020 and 2021 last month.
Ryan, who hosts The Late Late Show as well as his own radio show on weekday mornings, earned €440,000 in 2021, a drop from his 2020 total of €466,250, which in turn was a drop from his 2019 earnings of €495,000.
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