Ryan Tubridy to return to Irish radio despite move to London
RYAN TUBRIDY is set to return to Irish radio, it has been announced.
Virgin Radio UK announced this Thursday morning that the former RTÉ presenter will be joining the weekday lineup on the station next year for the 10am -1pm mid morning slot.
His new show, launching early January 2024 will be broadcast live from London simultaneously on Dublin’s Q102, marking Ryan's return to Irish radio.
He is also set present a dedicated Irish weekend show across a number of local radio stations in Ireland - including Dublin’s Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Live 95 in Limerick and LMFM in the north-east, all of which owned by Virgin Radio UK's parent company, News Corp.
He joins Virgin Radio's weekday on-air line-up, including The Chris Evans Breakfast Show, Jayne Middlemiss on afternoons, and Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson at drivetime.
In a statement, Ryan said: "I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter with Virgin Radio. 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!"
"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," he continued.
Virgin Radio UK content director Mike Cass added that he is "beyond delighted that Ryan is joining the amazing roster of presenters on Virgin Radio UK."
"He has been the preeminent 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."
Wireless Ireland MD Sean Barry, comments: "Ryan is the biggest broadcaster in Ireland, a peerless professional and much-loved by his legion of Irish fans. He will be the perfect mid-morning companion on Q102. And his exciting new weekend show will be broadcast exclusively on Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95 and LMFM."