Miriam O’Callaghan has said being the first woman to present the Late Late show marks the smashing of another glass ceiling in the media industry.
The 60-year-old stepped in to present the world’s longest running talk show last night after her colleague Ryan Tubridy remained off air due to a “persistent cough.”
Tubridy was absent from his RTE Radio One morning show all week with Oliver Callan standing in.
In a statement, RTE said Ryan was “staying away” due to his cough and “adhering to best practice.”
Ryan was tested for coronavirus live on air on last week’s Late Late show but it is not known if the test was processed or if he is awaiting results.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror last night, the Prime Time presenter and mum-of-eight Miriam said she felt “honoured” to step in for Ryan.
And when asked what it felt like to be the first woman to ever present the show after 58 years on air, Miriam said: “It feels great – another glass ceiling smashed.
“I feel honoured and privileged to be that woman. I’m delighted to be able to step in tonight and present The Late Late Show. We have to keep the show on the road. Best wishes to Ryan.”
The late Marian Finucane had a brief stint in the hot seat in 1980 when the late Gay Byrne told her to take the chair in response to a comment that she would never present the Late Late show.
Last night the show paid tribute to the men and women of Ireland’s front-line healthcare services who have been leading the fight to slow down and treat the spread of the coronavirus.
Viewers around the country joined in a collective round of applause for the frontline staff.
Musician Hozier launched an emergency on air appeal for the ISPCC which is experiencing a surge in calls to its Childline service.
The Take Me To Church hitmaker performed an exclusive set live in studio to promote a new initiative between ISPCC and RTÉ 2FM, where Irish artists are performing across 2FM every night for a fortnight to raise funds.
Footballer Lee Duffy shared his experience coping with Covid-19 after the disease left the 28-year old Newry City striker struggling to breath.
Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll and legendary GAA commentator Micheal O Muircheartaigh also made an appearance.
While Mrs Brown’s Boys creator Brendan O’Carroll and his wife Jennifer Gibney chatted to Miriam via Skype in Florida.
