Gaybo illness to boost the Rose TV ratings

August 1995

A RECORD 2.5 million television viewers are expected to watch this year’s Rose of Tralee selection final on Tuesday and Wednesday ‘out of curiousity’ to see the show’s new host Derek Davis in action.

The TAM figures are expected to reach an all-time high when the programme is televised live. Festival President Bill Looney, said he is confident the figures will hit the 2.5 million mark and prove to be a massive promo boost to the town.

Mr Looney said Tralee is set to be the focus for millions of people around the world as media interest in the event hots up. Comparisons are already being made between Gay Byrne and Derek Davis in Festival circles and the replacement presenter has already received, the thumbs up from the Roses.

Mr Davis said his main aim on the two nights of the Festival is to ensure that the Rose contestants are relaxed.

“Since being told about hosting the event on Tuesday night. I’ve been getting myself acquainted with the show. Instead of taking a well-deserved fishing holiday I’m watching hours of past shows”, he said.

Mr Davis refused to reveal his fee for hosting the show but The Kerryman has learned that it will be in the region of £5,000.

Regular host Gay Byrne is under contract to host the show for three years. The Kerryman understands that he received approximately £7,500 each year.

Mr Davis has previos experience in hosting Rose competitions.

For the past two years he has been the compere of the Dubai heat for the Festival, He said he was totally taken aback and surprised when approached with the offer of hosting the show.

“Gay Byrne has been doing this for a long number of years. The last, thing I want, to do is to try and fill his shoes,” said Derek.

We are both professionals with our different personalities. My main aim on the night is to make the girls feel as comfortable as possible. After all it is their night. I am used to appearing on television, but these girls are not. The show is about the girls and is not about me. But I am looking forward, to the challenge. I don’t look on it lightly,” he said.

Festival President, Bill Looney said he is delighted that Derek Davis will be hosting the show but said he and all of the Festival Committee wished Gay Byrne a speedy recovery.

“When I heard the news that Gay Byrne was ill, I was shocked. When you organise a Festival you, think everything is in place and suddenly something happens like this that sets you back,” he said.