And pretty much ever since, people have been picking their brains at who could possibly be his replacement, with Claire Byrne being a firm favourite.
Now, after much speculation, the presenter has finally opened up about the role but refused to be drawn in on whether or not she would be the chat show’s next host.
Speaking in a recent interview with The RTÉ Guide, Claire instead explained why she stepped away from her own popular series on the national broadcaster.
“I was taking a bit of a break from television, but I never said I would never do TV again,” Claire admitted on why she chose to return to TV to host the new RTÉ quiz show Ireland’s Smartest.
“It is just that time slot was very demanding in terms of the rest of my schedule. This is very different in that you can record these shows in a block together, so it is not placing a demand on you every single week.”
Opening up about Ryan stepping down from the iconic role, Claire said she was surprised as anyone to hear the news of his decision.
“When I interviewed him on the radio I could tell he was very happy with his choice and that really is the most important thing.”
So, could we see Claire in the hot set? Possibly, as she hasn’t necessarily ruled herself out of the running.
Dancing around the subject, Claire said: “I think over the years, if someone asked me what my first love is within my work, I would automatically say radio. Now I question that.
“I love radio and I have always loved it. I love the intimacy of radio but there is a buzz with television as well. It is different. I think a bit of both is a healthy mix.”
Time will tell on this one!
