Ryan Tubridy host of "The Late Late Show". He vowed to bring back Gay Byrne's "one for everybody in the audience" catchphrase, described by Will Hanafin in the "Irish Independent" as an attempt to "dig up more old relics than archaeologists would on an excavation", in reference to Tubridy's passion for history. Tubridy said he was "very taken aback" to learn he had been selected, describing it as "a humbling honour to be asked to present such an iconic programme". His role as host allowed him to fulfill a childhood ambition – presenting "The Late Late Toy Show" — "I know this
The Late Late Show (season 48) was designed by Darragh Treacy. The opening of ticket applications was announced on 28 August 2009. Bookmakers began to offer bets for the identity of Tubridy's first guest, with actor Denzel Washington being reported as one of the favourites. "Irish Independent" television critic John Boland offered Tubridy some tips on being a good chat show host; these included a ban on C-list celebrities, a sense of humour and plenty of surprises. Ryan Tubridy's first episode included several high-profile guests, including Cherie Blair, Joan Collins, Sharon Corr and David Gray. The 204-member studio audience included Tubridy's mother. The orchestra was notably