MAURA’S TIP11 FOR THE TUB
Star is bookies’ fave over radio slot
TELLY host Maura Derrane is now the bookies’ favourite to take over Ryan Tubridy’s radio gig.
Sources indicated the gaelgoir had a great reaction to her fortnight on the newly-named Nine O’clock Show.
And now Ladbrokes has shortened her odds – installing her as the 6/4 favourite ahead of Oliver Callan and Brendan Courtney.
The move comes after the Irish Sunday Mirror exclusively revealed that Maura had done a U-turn after her radio debut and threw her hat back in the ring for the job.
Nicola Mcgeady, of Ladbrokes, said: “Maura Derrane went down a treat with RTE Radio One listeners during her twoweek stint.
“After setting out her stall by confirming that she would love to take over the coveted slot, we have installed her as the frontrunner to take over the morning radio hot seat.”
Ryan Tubridy has been off air since June 22 when the RTE payments scandal broke.
He was vindicated of any wrongdoing but publicly dumped by RTE in August.
Maura’s Today Show co-host Daithi O Se is backing her for the morning radio gig describing her as a “natural” on air.
He told us: “I thought Maura was very good, she’s a natural and has been broadcasting for a long time so I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
The Kerry man reckons the pair’s afternoon TV commitments would allow Maura the time to juggle both jobs.
He added: “The Today Show is great because it gives you time to do other things, there’s no reason why Maura couldn’t do both.”
Daithi also hailed new Late Late presenter Patrick Kielty for his hosting style and said the chat show is in “safe hands”. He said: “Patrick is fantastic, I met him the night of the All-ireland in Dublin and had a few drinks with him.
“You know the show is in safe hands with Patrick at the helm.
“He’ll slot in really well, not a bother to him. He’s the ideal man for it.” It’s been a turbulent few months for RTE since revelations about secret salary top ups and irregular use of a barter account emerged.
The fallout has included a €10million slump in TV licence revenue and Montrose sources say stability and credibility are key to moving forward. One insider said: “There has been a lot going on both publicly and behind the scenes and shoring up the morning radio slot with a permanent host is seen as crucial.”
Maura went down a treat with RTE Radio One listeners...