Claire Byrne has revealed the real reason she didn’t take The Late Late Show hosting gig.
Ryan Tubridy hosted his final episode of RTÉ’s flagship programme on Friday, May 26, after 14 years at the helm.
Claire, who was the bookies’ favourite to take over from Ryan, took her hat out of the ring for the presenting gig at the beginning of May.
It was later revealed that Patrick Kielty would take over the helm of The Late Late Show for its upcoming season this September.
Speaking to The Irish Times, Claire Byrne said: “When my name was in the frame for The Late Late Show, I did see some of the social media comments which I thought crossed the line in many cases.”
“I don’t often look at social media about myself and I’d never go searching for what people would say about a programme, but I did then because I was trying to weigh up what it might mean if I kept my name in The Late Late Show loop.”
“And I did stop and think about whether I wanted to introduce the level of scrutiny that that show brings into my life, and for me the decision was that I didn’t. Because I get enough of it, without taking it to a whole other level.”
Claire also revealed that her children wanted her home on Friday evenings, when she would need to be presenting The Late Late Show.
“They wanted me home on Fridays, because Friday is sort of a family night,” the radio personality revealed, adding that her kids wanted to watch the Toy Show with her.
The mum-of-two previously said: “I have a young family, a busy home life and a full-time radio job that I love, and right now, that is enough for me.”
“While I’d never rule out other TV projects, The Late Late Show should be presented by someone who can give it the time and dedication that it deserves.”
