Ex-RTE star Ryan Tubridy rumoured to make Irish TV return for first time since payment scandal
TV REVIVAL Ex-RTE star Ryan Tubridy rumoured to make Irish TV return for first time since payment scandal
RYAN Tubridy is tipped for a shock return to Irish telly – marking his first TV appearance since the explosive RTE payments scandal rocked the nation.
The former Late Late Show host quit RTE over two years ago before jetting off to London in 2023 to front his own gig on Virgin Radio UK.
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Ryan Tubridy is rumoured to make his Irish TV return soon
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Tubridy has not appeared on Irish TV since 2023
But now, rumour has it Tubs is expected to make his Irish telly comeback – and it won't be with the national broadcaster.
According to Extra.ie, Ryan is set to return on rival station Virgin Media in a move sure to raise eyebrows.
Tubridy is tipped to play a part in Virgin Media's brand new show The Assembly, which is set to hit screens early next year.
But in a twist, he won't be the one asking the questions — he'll be in the hot seat.
The current affairs series flips the script, with neurodivergent young people grilling celebs and public figures in a bold new format.
The Assembly first aired in France, where even big names like President Emmanuel Macron and top footie stars faced a grilling.
The show has recently won over viewers with its fresh format and fearless young interviewers.
This comes after Tubridy said he is 'happy to have been able to' pay RTE back €150,000 at the centre of a hidden payments scandal.
The cash was part of a controversial deal between Ryan and the broadcaster, which came to light in 2023.
Debate about the payments has raged since, with Media Minister Patrick O'Donovan demanding Tubs pay the money back last June.
Donncha O'Callaghan has Ryan Tubridy in stitches
News of the repayment came in a statement from a PR representing Mr Tubridy.
He said via the statement: 'Earlier, I made a payment of €150,000 to RTE.
"I made this payment through my solicitor, without any discussions with RTE or with anyone acting on their behalf and without condition.'
PAY BACK
He continued: 'I have said on various occasions that I intended making this payment and I am happy to have been able to do so today.'
When contacted by The Irish Sun, by his former employer told us: 'RTE can confirm it has received payment of €150,000 from Ryan Tubridy via his solicitor this afternoon.
'RTE welcomes the payment and would like to thank Ryan Tubridy for making it.'
An industry source added: 'I don't think Ryan Tubridy is going back to RTE, but this allows other doors to open now that it has been dealt with.
'Ryan is very wise to do this. It was something that was going to continue to hang over him — he has done the right thing.'
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