Ryan Tubridy has announced his shock departure from The Late Late Show.
The TV personality 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. Â Many have become dear friends.”
Ryan continued: “Also, to the viewers, I am so grateful for the loyalty you have shown to the Late Late Show, week in, week out.”
“Not only did you raise 30 million euros for Irish charities including over 15 million euros for children’s charities all over the island that are particularly close to my heart, but you showed incredible generosity of spirit for which I am profoundly grateful.”
“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.”
RTÉ Director-General, Dee Forbes said of Ryan’s departure from the late night talk show: “I would like to thank Ryan and acknowledge his enormous commitment to the Late Late Show during the seven years I have had the privilege to work with him.”
“The Late Late Show is a TV phenomenon at home and abroad  which continues to hold a special place in Irish life and Ryan can take enormous credit for that. He had big shoes to fill, but he has made the show his own over the past fourteen years.”
“The transformation of the Late Late Toy Show into a national event celebrating Irish children and the most popular television programme in Ireland every year is testament to his talents as a broadcaster and his ability to create a unique connection with children and audiences all over Ireland, and beyond.”
“There are so many great memories and special moments to look back on, and more to come, which we will rightly celebrate in the months ahead.”
Ryan, who has presented the talk show for 14 years, will host his final The Late Late Show on Friday, May 26 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One.
The TV personality will continue to present his rate show on RTÉ Radio 1 on weekday mornings from 9am to 10am.
An announcement will be made about the next presenter of The Late Late Show during the summer.
