Tubridy returns to Irish radio airwaves

Ryan Tubridy is gearing up to make his return to the Irish radio airwaves, with his new show launching in January 2024.

Tubridy has joined the line-up at Virgin Radio, a Newscorp-owned radio station.

Tubridy’s new show will be broadcast from 10am to 1pm, Monday to Friday with the show simultaneously broadcast on Dublin’s Q102.

The former RTÉ star will also host a dedicated Irish weekend show with other stations owned by News UK.

The weekend show will be broadcast on FM104 and Q102 in Dublin.

Tubridy said “I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter. New city, new stations, new beginnings. I love radio and what a joy to be back. It’s been a pleasure getting to know my new friends at Virgin Radio, all of whom have been warm, engaging and very entertaining – it will be great to be back on the radio in the UK and across Ireland.”

His new slot directly follows Chris Evans’ breakfast show on Virgin Radio, with Evans going on record numerous times in the past expressing his fondness for Tubridy’s broadcasting style.

Tubridy gave thanks to the Irish contingent in London, who he says “have made me feel so welcome in recent weeks.”

“On a personal note, this is a big day for my wonderful family who I hope to make proud, and also the people who advised me so well recently and got me to this moment.”

“To the listeners, wherever they may be, I urge you to join us on this adventure every weekday morning – and across Ireland at the weekend. There is much fun to be had!”

Wireless Ireland managing director Sean Barry said “Ryan is the biggest broadcaster in Ireland, a peerless professional and much-loved by his legion of Irish fans. He will be the perfect mid-morning companion on Q102. And his exciting new weekend show will be broadcast exclusively on Q102, Cork’s 96FM, Limerick’s Live 95 and LMFM. He will be an enormous hit with Wireless Ireland’s audiences.”

Ever since Tubridy’s controversial departure from RTÉ over the summer, the state broadcaster has yet to find a replacement for his mid-morning radio show on RTÉ Radio One.

Despite the gap in the schedule and a rotating suite of guest hosts, the radio slot has held steady in the recent JLNR listenership figures, with listenership actually increasing in that timeslot since the departure of Tubridy.