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09th Jul 2023

Ryan Tubridy reportedly looking at UK move amid payments scandal

Simon Kelly

Reports suggest the presenter is exploring his options.

Ryan Tubridy is reportedly looking at the possibility of basing his career from the UK amid the ongoing payment controversy that he finds himself at the centre of.

The ex-Late Late Show host will face the Public Accounts Committee alongside his agent Noel Kelly next week, as the two volunteered to shed more light on the current RTÉ crisis.

According to The Irish Sun, a source has told the outlet that Tubridy will hold meetings with various UK broadcasters to explore his options for the future.

“UK broadcasters wouldn’t care in the slightest about controversy going on in Ireland with Ryan,” a senior radio source told the newspaper.

“Things are different in Britain. Audiences do like Ryan Tubridy and he does his job very well. More importantly, Ryan hasn’t done anything wrong.”

The sources also stated that Tubridy and his agent are “putting their ducks in line” as they look to “take back control” if an RTÉ return is off the cards.

The reports come after it was confirmed by the national broadcaster that Tubridy will not return to the airwaves for at least six months.

Media Minister Catherine Martin announced that it would not be “appropriate” for the presenter to be on air while reviews into governance and culture, as well as contractor fees, human resources and other matters are ongoing.

Ryan Tubridy and Noel Kelly meeting committee on Tuesday

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Dáil invited Tubridy and his agent to attend its meeting at 11am next Tuesday morning.

The presenter will be asked to discuss several points during the meeting, including payments made to him by RTÉ, his contract details, commercial deals and a phonecall and ensuing letter from then-RTÉ Director General Dee Forbes in May of 2020.

The meeting is set to be broadcast live on the RTÉ News channel.

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