Former RTE star addresses speculation Ryan Tubridy could return to the station
It comes after Ryan announced last Friday that he had paid back the €150,000 overpayment he received from RTE as part of a controversial payment deal made in 2020.
The repayment sparked a rumour that Ryan was paving the way for his return to the national broadcaster.
Lucy, who is a long-time pal of Ryan's, said: 'I love Ryan Tubridy. This is the rumour… do I think he would come back? I don't know. There is a lot that went down. How would he be received as well… I don't know.'
The Living With Lucy host said she would love to see Ryan come back home to Dublin as she misses seeing him around his hometown in Dun Laoghaire.
'Would I like to see him come home? Selfishly yes, definitely. I think he's quite happy in the UK.
'I'd say Ryan will do another year in the UK.' Pictured are Millie Lynam and Lucy Kennedy unveiling the new limited-edition bands in support of Barretstown. The bands will be available in Applegreen stores nationwide from Monday 11th to Sunday 17th August 2025, for just €2, with all proceeds going directly to Barretstown.
Lucy also said she reckons her Classic Hits colleague and former 2FM DJ Colm Hayes was approached to take over Liveline after Joe Duffy's retirement.
'Colm Hayes would be able to take on that gig. I just don't think he would do that to me but he has the empathy of people.
'Colm has the experience as well. I'd say yeah but he tells me nothing. I wouldn't be surprised if he was approached.
'But he would tell me if he was going.
'Colm is a man who can handle all people.'
But she said her money is on Dermot Whelan to be the next presenter.
'My money is on Dermot Whelan. He stood in for Oliver (Callan) recently… I think he would be very good.
'Not everyone loves people. Gerry Ryan loved people, Joe Duffy loved people. You have to have that love and passion for people. I don't think it has to have that huge name. But it has to be someone who cares,' she said.
Lucy was speaking at the launch of Applegreen's nationwide fundraising campaign 'Bands for Barretstown.
This year's campaign will see limited-edition wristbands go on sale in Applegreen stores until Sunday, August 17 for just €2, with all proceeds going directly to Barretstown.
Lucy said: 'Bands for Barretstown is such a great fundraiser for a wonderful charity. I know Applegreen is an incredible supporter of the work that the team in Barretstown do for children and families affected by cancer and other serious illnesses.
'I am hoping that anyone who stops off at their local Applegreen store between 11-17th August to maybe buy petrol, a paper or a coffee will also buy one of the brightly coloured bands and support this worthy charity.'
The design for this year's bands was created by ten-year-old Millie Lynam and features the inspiring message 'Let's Go Barretstown'.
Millie lives in Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath, with her parents Eimear and Paul, her brother James (7) and her sister Kitty (4).
She was first introduced to Barretstown as a sibling camper, supporting her younger sister Kitty, who has an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.
The family have been to Barretstown for several weekend family camps and has also taken part in Barretstown's Camp at Home Outreach Programme.
Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, said: 'Since 1994, Barretstown has provided free, medically endorsed therapeutic programmes for children living with cancer and other serious illnesses and their families.
'Millie's message 'Let's Go Barretstown' captures a strong message of hope for so many children and parents going through a difficult time and shows the long-lasting impact that Barretstown's work brings to so many families across the country.
'It's with the support of partners like Applegreen that we continue to grow its reach and impact across Ireland.'
For more information on the campaign and donate, visit https://applegreenstores.com/charity/.
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