11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Lyric FM host Simon Delaney explains why Liveline gig 'wouldn't be my bag'
Simon Delaney has ruled himself out of the running to be the next Liveline host – as he admits the state of the world "annoys me".
RTE bosses are currently debating over the iconic phone-in show's next host after Joe Duffy hung up his mic on June 27 after 27 years hosting the RTE Radio 1 show.
Speculation is rife as to who will be its next presenter, but Simon said he doesn't want the job because the state of the world "annoys me".
Speaking at this year's Marie Keating Foundation golf classic, Simon told us: "I don't think I could do Liveline because the current state of the world annoys me.
"The current state of Ireland and the issues we have here, and the issues we've had for the last 10 years, 20 years and 30 years, annoy me.
"I saw it myself on Ireland AM, we were interviewing politicians about the same thing every year.
"There's a flu crisis at Christmas, there's a housing crisis and there's a problem with the health service."
The Lyric FM host said he has "total admiration" for what Joe Duffy did on the show over the last 27 years before his retirement on June 27.
"I have total admiration for what Joe did over the years. But, no, it wouldn't be my bag. I'm quite happy on Lyric FM playing Sinatra songs." Joe Duffy pictured presenting his final farewell show in Studio 1 in RTÉ Radio Centre (Image: Andres Poveda)
Opening up about hosting his Sunday Afternoon with Simon Delaney radio show, the star said he likes the regularity of the work compared to being an actor.
"I like the regularity of the work because that's not what comes with being self-employed and being an actor.
"Anybody will tell you that. I saw an actor, who was in The Irishman and How I Met Your Mother, post on Instagram that he was working on a building site. He said that's what he does now and he hates it.
"The difference with American actors is that most of them can live and survive on their residuals from their SAG (Screen Actors Guild) contracts. We don't get that here. When you do a job in Ireland you get paid for it and that's it.
"American actors would be able to survive on part time work and they would pick up residuals from being a guest star like I did on The Good Wife.
"I enjoy the consistency of going into work every week, but I'd probably earn more working in SuperValu, and that's why you have to do 45 other things at the same time." Simon Delaney (Image: Twitter // IrelandAM)
We will next see Simon on our screens alongside Andrew Scott and Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon.
The film is set on the opening night of Oklahoma! in 1943, focusing on the legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (played by Ethan Hawke), who is grappling with the end of his partnership with composer Richard Rodgers (played by Andrew Scott).
The story unfolds primarily in Sardi's restaurant, where Hart, struggling with alcoholism and self-doubt, observes the success of Rodgers' new collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein II.
The film explores themes of artistic jealousy, creative differences, and the complexities of love and friendship.
Simon described it as a "gorgeous movie".
"It's a gorgeous movie that we shot here in Ardmore Studios last year.
"It's a beautiful film and I think Ethan Hawke should win an Oscar for it. He's phenomenal. He was a gentleman to work with. It was shot in 11 days.
"You very rarely rehearse for a TV show or movie beforehand, but we rehearsed for a week and a half before shooting. The whole movie takes place on one set, so it's contained. It was like being in a play."
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