RTE are planning a big new panel show — with top stars vying for the job as host, we can reveal.
Brendan O’Connor, Joanne McNally and Deirdre O’Kane could be in the running.
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Bosses revealed they are looking for a “skilled comedic anchor” to host the midweek Mock The Week-style show for RTE One.
RTE described the programme as a “comedy panel show that will deliver sharp humour and the best comedic talent to Irish audiences”.
A TV insider told The Irish Sun: “The last season of Brendan’s Saturday night chat show was overtaking The Late Late Show before he was cruelly axed to make way for Ray D’Arcy. This would be a great opportunity to get Brendan back on TV.
“A midweek slot wouldn’t interfere with his popular weekend radio shows. Brendan would be a familiar face.”
Another star who could be in the running is ex-Republic of Telly host Kevin McGahern.
He told us: “I’m delighted RTE are doing something like this.
“I grew up watching Monday night comedy with The Panel and Don’t Feed the Gondolas. It was great for comedians in Ireland.
“It made stars of Andrew Maxwell, Neil Delamere, and introduced the population to the best talent on the Irish comedy scene. I can’t wait to see what it does for the next generation.”
Most read in The Irish Sun
And quizzed if he would like to host the panel show himself, Kevin, 37, joked: “Well I’d never talk myself out of a job.”
Due on TV this autumn, bosses told producers to draw inspiration from shows like the BBC’s Would I Lie To You? and Mock the Week.
RTE said they “are looking for a way to break traditional format expectations with a new approach we haven’t seen before”.
They’re expected to audition big names for the host gig soon. Stars who lose out could still feature if they get on with the presenter.
RTE explained: “We are looking for a sense of chemistry between host, contributors and guests and the ability to create memorable comedic moments.
‘Talented entertainers’
“The core contributors must be talented entertainers with a variety of comedic styles and abilities.”
RTE Head of Entertainment Alan Tyler will sign off on the host.
But an insider ruled out a London-based presenter, telling us: “With an election coming up you really need someone based here. You couldn’t be briefing someone who only drops in a day a week.
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