felt my time had Ryan out

TUBS SHOCKS THE NATION AS HE LEAVES LATE LATE SHOW | Last chat on May 26 two days before 50th | He'll keep radio gig but excited for future

- SANDRA MALLON

RYAN Tubridy has opened up about his decision to quit The Late Late Show, saying he knew in his heart it was time to go.

The radio and TV star shocked RTE colleagues when he announced yesterday he was stepping back after 14 years at the helm.

Ryan, who has remained RTE's top earner with a salary of €440,000 despite taking a €55,000 cut between 2019 and 2021, admitted he agonised over the decision.

Having taken over from Pat Kenny in 2009, his final broadcast will be on May 26, just two days before he celebrates his 50th.

He said: "I was explaining this to my daughters. You know when you're at a party and you're really enjoying it and you look around and everyone is having a good time and the music is really good? I'm at that party still but I'm reaching into my pocket for my phone and I'm ordering a taxi.

"I just don't want to be sticking around when they are turning off the music and the lights and saying, 'Oh you're still here. So yeah, it makes sense to go now.

"I thought it all through. It's been this extraordinarily big part of my life and my family's life. When you are the Late Late Show presenter you belong to a lot of people, whether it is on the street or in the pub or the coffee shop.

"That is part of the joys of it when you're the guy but when you're the family of that person, they didn't buy into that, and it is always a little trickier for them.

"I think another five, 10 years of that would be punishment for them and I'm ready. I'm so comfortable with the decision. It wasn't easy but it feels really good. I've enjoyed it so much. What a job.