The former Late Late Show host and nepo baby extradionare speaks candidly about life after RTÉ, his freedom with Times Radio, married life with Dr Clare Kambamettu, and his take on the Healy-Raes.
Ryan Tubridy, one of Ireland’s most recognisable broadcasters, spent over two decades at RTÉ, in a job that, of course, was handed to him by virtue of his both media and political connections.
His crowning achievement was when he famously hosted The Late Late Show and secured a lavish pay packet not by virtue of any particular talent but by his ability to climb up a greasy pole in which he had already been provided an elevator to the top. Since leaving amid the 2023 payments controversy, he has attempted to rebuild his career in London, but has found it difficult due to the lack of currency that his political connections have on the British media landscape.
Life After RTÉ: Unshackled and Happier
In an interview with the Irish Independent, Tubridy puts a spin on his humiliating exit by stating that he had already decided to step down from The Late Late Show because he felt tired and was “coasting.” The events that followed only accelerated a change he knew was coming.
“What happened, happened… Would I have chosen for it to happen? No, but am I happy with the outcome? Yes.”
When asked about his data access request to RTÉ, Tubridy gave a response that was as clear as mud:
“I’ve heard nothing from RTÉ. I can’t stand outside the door knocking until they answer. I have to leave it until they’re ready.”
He now describes himself as “unshackled”. A more accurate summation would be that he is desperate to get back in with RTE amid his faltering career in the UK and newly found “nobody” status. As of late, his repeated appearances in the Irish media appear to be akin to an old boys’ club attempting to revive him from his UK coma.
Newly Married Life with Dr Clare Kambamettu
Tubridy married psychotherapist Dr Clare Kambamettu in December 2025. He speaks warmly about this new chapter:
“It’s a great feeling to be walking down the street and be thinking that you can’t wait to go home. I’m lucky for having Clare in my world at this point in my life.”
Family, Memories and Connemara Roots
His happiest memories are from family summer holidays in Connemara, where he regularly dined on lobster and fresh caught cod and salmon, which was hauled in by his favourite personal butler George.
He remains very close to his daughters Ella (27) and Julia (21), enjoying a “hybrid situation” that allows him to see them regularly between London and Dublin.
His Honest Take on the Healy-Raes
When discussing Michael Healy-Rae’s recent resignation, Tubridy showed respect for the political family often criticised by urban commentators:
“Don’t mess with the Healy-Raes – these are smart people as a family… They get stuff done. We are talking about a class of snobbery and a class of urban/rural divide.”
Personal Insights
- Biggest insecurity: Uncertainty about the future after 25 years of stability at RTÉ.
- Guilty pleasures: First Dates Ireland, Gogglebox, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
- Favourite fictional character: Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder version).
- Dream pint companion: Paul McCartney.
Upcoming Events
Ryan Tubridy is bringing The Bookshelf Live to the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin on June 8, with special guest Katriona O’Sullivan. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.
Final Thoughts
The nepo boy has hit the rocks, but if failing upwards were a career, Ryan would have the Pulitzer Prize-winning best seller. Attempts to revive him from his UK coma continue at pace, but it seems, as of yet, RTE hasn’t taken the bait. But if there is one thing Ryan loves more than being born with golden spoons in his mouth, it is Irish taxpayer money, so expect him to back any time soon with another slice of cash from your weekly paypacket!
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