Ryan Tubridy, the host of the popular Irish talk show The Late Late Show, has been making headlines recently. The series finale of the show, which aired on May 28th, 2021, has been the talk of the town. The show has been a staple of Irish television for over 50 years, and this finale was no exception.
However, it wasn’t just the finale that had people talking. Many viewers were left in tears when Tubridy paid tribute to the late Marian Finucane, a former host of the show who passed away in 2020. Tubridy spoke about Finucane’s impact on Irish broadcasting and her legacy, and the emotional moment struck a chord with many viewers.
Tubridy’s tenure as host of The Late Late Show has not been without controversy, however. In 2019, he faced criticism for his handling of an interview with a survivor of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, a Catholic institution where unmarried mothers and their children were sent in the 20th century. Many viewers felt that Tubridy was too soft on the representative from the Catholic Church who appeared on the show to discuss the issue.
Despite this, Tubridy has remained a popular figure in Irish media. He has been praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many viewers tuning in to The Late Late Show for updates and information. He has also been a vocal advocate for mental health issues, and has used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various charities.
The Late Late Show has been a mainstay of Irish television since it first aired in 1962. It was originally hosted by Gay Byrne, who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Irish broadcasting. Byrne’s final show in 1999 was a memorable one, with U2’s Bono and Larry Mullen Jr. presenting him with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a going-away gift.
Since then, The Late Late Show has continued to be a cultural touchstone in Ireland. It has featured a range of guests over the years, from politicians and celebrities to ordinary people with extraordinary stories. The show has tackled a range of issues, from politics and social justice to entertainment and pop culture.
Tubridy has been at the helm of The Late Late Show since 2009, and has overseen some of its most memorable moments. He has interviewed everyone from Hollywood A-listers to Irish musicians, and has tackled a range of issues on the show. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains one of the most beloved figures in Irish television.
As The Late Late Show prepares to enter its 60th year on the air, it is clear that it will continue to be a fixture of Irish culture for years to come. And with Tubridy at the helm, viewers can expect more memorable moments and thought-provoking discussions in the years ahead.