Ryan Tubridy hits back after Late Late Show criticism and Twink's Shane MacGowan rant

Ryan Tubridy has defended a backlash against both Shane MacGowan and Philomena Begley after last week's Late Late Show special.

It came after Twink slammed MacGowan as a "dishevelled, inarticulate drunk", and labelled him a "disgrace".

She also criticised the decision to dedicate an entire episode of The Late Late Show to the Pogues singer.

While there was also criticism of Philomena's performance of the Christmas classic hit Fairytale of New York.

Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show set (Andres Poveda)

But host Tubridy was quick to defend both singers, and the decision to film the special.

He said on RTE Radio One: "I also remove my hat to Shane MacGowan and Victoria Mary Clarke who were so helpful in putting together The Late Late Show on Friday and to Philomena Begley who came in and gave it her all on the duet with Shane.

"Shane idolises Philomena Begley, this is the thing, he absolutely loves this woman.

"And she's an amazing woman, and she's great fun, she's game for a laugh. Shane really wanted to sing this song with her and they did and the vibe in the place was just celebratory.

Aidan Gillen and Patrick Bergin pictured on The Late Late Show Shane MacGowan and Fairytale of New York special. (Andres Poveda Photography)

"And it was great fun. I think it was the Irish Times said the day after: 'Who would want an overly slick production of a Shane MacGowan tribute?'

"Which is an interesting way of putting it but it's true.

"It was just one of of those love gatherings in a sort of Shane MacGowan sort of way."