'Extraordinary idea' - Ryan Tubridy set to return to Irish TV for new Virgin Media show

Ryan Tubridy is set to return to Irish television next year, almost three years after he stepped away from the Late Late Show on RTÉ.

The broadcaster will appear as the first guest on Virgin Media’s new series The Assembly, hosted by Muireann O’Connell. Each episode sees a panel of 30 neurodivergent interviewers put candid, offbeat and often hard-hitting questions to well-known figures.

Confirming the news on Instagram, Tubridy wrote: “I recently recorded an episode of The Assembly. It’s an extraordinary idea whereby a panel of 30 neurodivergent interviewers hit me up with the most interesting, poignant, unexpected questions about my career, life and Elvis Presley."

The series, which originated in France and which has been adapted by the BBC in the UK, has featured high profile personalities such as French President Emmanuel Macron and actors David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

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Commenting on social media, Tubridy explained: "It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had on television and the interviewers were among the most insightful I’ve ever encountered."

Comedian Joanne McNally will follow Tubridy as a guest later in the Virgin Media series.

This marks the 52-year-old’s first major return to Irish screens since leaving The Late Late Show in May 2023. He has since relocated to London, where he presents a daily show on Virgin Radio UK.

The Assembly will air on Virgin Media in January 2026.