Louis Walsh suggests new talent show to find Ryan Tubridy replacement

Louis Walsh has proposed the most Louis Walsh solution possible in helping RTÉ find a replacement for Ryan Tubridy – run a reality TV show where the public votes for Tubridy’s replacement.

Walsh told the Sunday World that a new reality TV show produced by RTÉ would be an unorthodox solution for RTÉ who are looking to replace Tubridy after contract talks broke down between their former star presenter and the state broadcaster last week.

Tubridy left the airwaves in late June as news of the payment scandal emerged at RTÉ, and it was announced last week that Tubridy would not be returning to his radio show in early September, nor indeed will he be seen on our TV screens.

Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s new Director General, said that door was still open for a return for Tubridy, but Walsh has proposed a new solution for RTÉ’s dilemma.

Walsh, no stranger to reality TV shows with the UK version of The X Factor and You’re A Star on his resume, said the public should be able to vote for Tubridy’s replacement.

“There must be loads of new people out there on regional radio that are making a name for themselves and now is the time to give them a job on national radio,” he said to the Sunday World.

“That’s the way to find somebody bright, fresh and new. They should do a reality TV show and let the public pick somebody. In the meantime, they could fill the slot with a temporary replacement for Tubs.”