Producers of the Late Late Show have added another potential host to the lenghty list of contenders pitted against one another to take over the helm of the show.
A top comedian has been thrown into the mix and was reportedly offered a shot at the gig before.
Ryan Tubridy announced last month that he was stepping down after 14 years in the hot seat, with the Dubliner set to present his final ever Late Late Show on Friday, May 26.
READ MORE: Mum of RTE Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane gives heartbreaking health update and asks for prayers
Since his announcement, a number of presenters have emerged as contenders to be the next Late Late Show host - with comedian Patrick Kielty being the latest name to be added to the mix.
The news comes as his wife, and fellow broadcaster, Cat Deeley suggested her husband has the "right balance" of skills to become the new host.
Although the comedian's name was added to the list of potential hosts for Ireland’s longest-running chat show after Tubridy announced his retirement, the comic reportedly turned down an offer to take up the role in 1999 after the show's original presenter Gay Byrne stepped down.
Despite the bookies placing him far from being the favourite, Paddy Power has him rated as a 66/1 outsider, his wife stated that the comedian-turned-actor would do a "phenomenal job" if he landed the job.
Speaking in an interview with Life magazine at the weekend, Deeley said: "‘I know his name is in the mix. And I know that he would do the most phenomenal job as, you know, he’s got the right balance of entertainment and politics, and he’s got skin in the game in that he’s very aware of what happens in Ireland all the time."
During the first show after his announcement, Tubridy hinted that a woman may be in line for the job - telling viewers: to "wish my successor, whoever she may be, the very best of luck".
In the interview, Deeley added that there has never been a female host since it was first aired on RTÉ One in 1962.
She continued: "If I’m coming at it from the other side, I have to say, what, it’s been on since the 1960s and there’s never been a woman hosting? I think there aren’t enough women in chat shows in general."
READ NEXT:
Major change on storm front for Ireland with system to bring horrid conditions
RTE viewers blown away by young Isabella born with rare defect on DIY SOS
Taoiseach says housing crisis 'on cusp of changing' with 'prices falling'
Mum of RTE Toy Show star Saoirse Ruane asks for prayers amid health update
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
