Rumours swirl as Ryan Tubridy tipped for sensational RTÉ return as comeback odds slashed

Rumours are swirling that Irish presenter Ryan Tubridy could make a sensational return to RTÉ after reports of a recent meeting with Director General Kevin Bakhurst.

According to the Irish Independent, the pair were seen having "coffee and a chat" in what is believed to be their first proper conversation since Tubridy's high-profile departure in 2023.

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A source told the newspaper: "Bakhurst is having cups of coffee with Tubs, so purgatory may be temporary."

The meeting has reignited speculation that the broadcaster could be preparing to welcome the Dublin presenter back to the national airwaves next year.

Bookmakers have slashed odds to just 4/1 on Tubridy landing a brand new RTÉ chat show in 2026.

"Tubs was a popular figure until the drama that saw him leave the station. With RTÉ in flux at the moment, it looks like there could be a space for the presenter to land a new hosting gig in 2026," said Cal Gildart of Ladbrokes.

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Tubridy left RTÉ following the undisclosed payments controversy that rocked the broadcaster in 2023.

He has since repaid the €150,000 at the centre of the scandal and now presents a weekday radio show on Virgin Radio in the UK, which is also simulcast on Dublin's Q102.

Kevin Bakhurst previously told RTÉ News that while "now is not the right time" for Tubridy to return, "the door is not shut forever".

For many fans, it now seems that the door could soon be creaking back open for Tubs' return to the mainstream Irish media landscape.