IT'S MISSION 'IMPOSSIBLE' FOR TUBRIDY

RTE’S acting deputy Director General has said it is “impossible” for Ryan Tubridy to return to the airwaves

- SANDRA MALLON

Adrian Lynch told the Oireachtas Media Committee that “for editorial reasons” the star won’t be back on air as his radio negotiations have been “paused.”

Mr Lynch told the committee: “For editorial reasons, it is impossible for Ryan Tubridy to be back on air.”

Asked if he envisaged the star to be back on air in the long term, he said: “Again, can I just say for editorial reasons, he is not on air in the long term.”

It comes amid the major furore over how RTE had made secret payments to Tubridy, totalling €345,000, between 2017 and 2022.

These payments had not been publicly declared as part of his salary by RTE.

The departing Late Late Show host has not been on the air since the payments scandal first emerged last week.

In a statement, a spokesman for RTE confirmed the star is now “out of his contract” with the broadcaster after stepping down from iconic chat show last month.

A spokesman said: “Ryan Tubridy stood down from The Late Late Show in May.

“RTE has written to his agent that the contract [including all arrangements therein] has come to an end.

“Negotiations have commenced regarding his radio responsibilities. Those negotiations have been paused as with all negotiations as per board statement.”

But it is reported Tubridy has rejected suggestions by RTE that his contract is on hold and is understood to be seeking legal advice.

A source has revealed that the former Late Late Show host “does not accept” the contract is terminated.