Pat Kenny, a prominent Irish broadcaster, has commented on the potential challenges a female host might face on Ireland’s most iconic talk show, The Late Late Show. A recent poll conducted by the Irish Mirror indicated that the current frontrunner to replace Ryan Tubridy as host is female, and there has been much discussion around the possibility of a woman taking on the iconic role. However, three high-profile female presenters have stated that they do not want the job, leaving many speculating as to why this might be the case.
Kenny, who served as host of the show from 1999 to 2009, has expressed his belief that women would face more difficult challenges as hosts because of societal expectations regarding their appearance. “For a woman it’s always more difficult. The guy sticks on a suit and a shirt. He can wear the same suit week-in, week-out — nobody gives a damn. A woman comes on… and I don’t know if men even comment, but most women will comment: ‘Look at the state of her. What is she wearing?’ It’s not fair, but that’s the way it is,” he said.
Kenny went on to explain that some of the comedic bits he participated in during his time as host often involved him making himself the butt of the joke. But, he stressed that when given the chance, female hosts should decide what they want the show to be, and should not be subject to such ridicule in order to entertain audiences. “You can’t make the female the butt of the joke. And it’s your job, as host, often to be the butt of the joke. The show would have to take [a different approach], the woman would have to dominate and decide what she wanted it to be. And, as I say, I don’t underestimate the difficulties, including the stupid thing of fashion. But it’s true,” he said.
Additionally, Kenny shared some revealing insights into how he became host of The Late Late Show back in 1999, when he was chosen to replace the show’s creator, Gay Byrne. He explained that there were other people who were in the running, including Patrick Kielty and Gerry Kelly, but when he was eventually given the job, nobody seemed to remember the other contenders.
One thing that is clear is that, in the end, what matters most is who gets the job. Regardless of the challenges that might come along with it, whoever takes over from Ryan Tubridy will have to work hard to maintain the show’s three-million-strong audience and keep engaging viewers with compelling content week after week. Whether it turns out to be a man or a woman, The Late Late Show’s legacy and enduring popularity seem set to continue for many years to come.
