Architect Dermot Bannon has been revealed as a strong contender to take over presenting The Late Late Show.
The season finale of the long-running chat show aired last week, with presenter Patrick Kielty remaining tight-lipped on his future.
His three-year contract with RTÉ officially expired after the broadcast, with no new deal confirmed.
Patrick was joined by Boy George, Westlife and Garron Noone for what may be his final ever show on Friday.
With speculation rife as to whether the Down native will sign a new deal with the broadcaster, he said nothing to settle viewers’ queries.
Speaking in the closing monologue, Patrick said: ‘That is it from us for tonight and for this season. We hope you have a fab summer.
‘This has been The Late Late Show. I’ve been Patrick Kielty.’
While it has yet to be disclosed whether Patrick will return to the fore or not, talk is already turning to who his successor could be.
Among those heavily spoken about was an RTÉ fan favourite, Dermot Bannon.
The architect is well-known among RTÉ fans for his work on Home of the Year, as well as his new show, Celebrity Super Spaces.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes have reported that Dermot has ‘put his name forward’ for the almost-vacant gig.
Nicola McGeady from the bookies said: ‘Dermot is building a reputation for his presenting prowess on RTÉ, now he wants the top job.
‘The name recognition will certainly help but the betting suggests there’s room to improve.’ The current odds for Dermot to take over the role are 4/1.
Dermot is no stranger to The Late Late, having been a guest on a number of occasions.
His most recent appearance came two weeks ago — and was his first time in the studio in four years.
Reacting to a long-running claim he is always on the show, the architect told journalists: ‘Sometimes, when you’ve been on it a couple of times, people think you’re on it all the time.
‘It’s a bit like people think I’m on the telly all the time… Room to Improve is only four or five episodes a year, it sometimes feels like you’re on it all the time.’
