Ryan Tubridy has been announced as the host of a new mid-morning show on Virgin Radio UK.
The former Late Late show presenter, who was dropped from his 9am slot on RTÉ Radio One in the wake of the payments controversy, will begin the show on January 4th.
Tubridy made the announcement on the Chris Evans Breakfast Show on the station, describing it as “quite surreal” and saying he was “desperately excited”.
His new programme, which will air from 10am to 1pm on weekdays, will be simultaneously broadcast on Dublin’s Q102.
Tubridy will also present a “dedicated Irish weekend show” from London through the Wireless Ireland Group’s network of regional stations – Q102 and FM104 in Dublin, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live95FM and LMFM.
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“I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter with Virgin Radio,” Tubridy said in a statement.
“New city, new station, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be following the legendary Chris Evans every morning. It’s been a pleasure getting to know my new friends at Virgin Radio, all of whom have been warm, engaging and very entertaining.
“And big thanks to the London Irish who have made me feel so welcome in recent weeks. On a personal note, this is a big day for my wonderful family who I hope to make proud, and also the people who advised me so well recently and got me to this moment.
“To the listeners, wherever they might be, I urge you to join us on this adventure every weekday morning, there is much fun to be had.”
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The announcement followed an Instagram post on the former RTÉ broadcaster’s account on Thursday morning, in which he told his 255,000 followers that he was in the “back of a London cab heading to a building near the river Thames where I’ll be making quite a big announcement”.
Tubridy left RTÉ in the summer following weeks of controversy related to revelations the organisation had publicly underreported the salary he was paid.
Virgin Radio UK content director Mike Cass welcomed the presenter to the station.
“I am beyond delighted that Ryan is joining the amazing roster of presenters on Virgin Radio UK.
“He has been the pre-eminent broadcaster in Ireland for years and Virgin Radio will bring his warmth, humour and unique charisma to the UK audience properly for the first time.
“He will be the perfect mid-morning companion and the ideal tag-partner for Chris Evans.”
