Ten-year Tubs gets smart but Amy’s always up for a laugh

RYAN TUBRIDY had plenty to smile about at the RTÉ autumn schedule launch this week as he is poised to mark a decade at the helm of The Late Late Show.

Tubs told the Diary that he was looking forward to taking the programme on tour as the show is London-bound for a Brexit special.

And Amy Huberman was in top form as Joy, the comedy she has written about a single woman coping with a painful break-up, is set to air shortly.

A break-up is not something that’s on the mind of Tubridy these days, he is happily dating a mysterious dark-haired lady – as we previously revealed when they were spotted earlier this year in Kenmare.

But Tubs refused to divulge the identity of his girlfriend. Laughing, he said: ‘You know I never comment on my private life.’

Asked what he would say if a Late Late Show guest was so reticent, he retorted with: ‘I wouldn’t have them on the show.’ Touché.

The bookish presenter recently underwent a digital detox and ditched his smartphone. However, he was overheard saying he has been reunited with his iPhone but he has deleted all of the apps.

RTÉ’S schedule will also see the return of First Dates. Despite its success at finding love for entrants, the show’s team said they wouldn’t enter themselves.

Hirsute barman Ethan Miles – who is always on hand for cocktails and advice – said he wouldn’t trade the safety of the bar for a table in the restaurant of romance. ‘I applaud the courage of the people coming in, but I wouldn’t go in as a dater myself.’ His favourite cocktail to calm nervous daters is the aptly named Get Lucky.