3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Philip Boucher-Hayes says there are ‘five wannabes' in running to become Liveline host, ‘myself included'
The presenter, who is currently filling in on the show since Joe Duffy's departure from the station last month, joked that Montrose bosses were putting the five contenders 'through their paces' as they vie for the role.
He told listeners: "For the avoidance of further confusion, let us set it out once again: RTÉ has not made a decision on this.
"There are five wannabes, myself included; in fact probably a hell of a lot more than five wannabes, but there are five wannabes being put through their paces on air before RTÉ makes a decision.
'After that, we will move to the swimwear and ball gown elements of the competition. I think I've got that section nailed down. I want to though, because in the final round is the Hunger Games, they will be placing a big cache of non-lethal weapons under the RTÉ mast and letting us all race to them, grab your preferred weapon and have at it.
'And everybody is hoping, by that stage of the competition, that Sarah McInerney has been taken out because she is very handy with the nunchucks, but the news is no decision made.
"Well, maybe they have made a decision after my first week in the chair. But let's leave that aside there is officially no decision made, so on with the show.'
Other frontrunners rumoured to be taking over the gig include Sarah McInerney's Drivetime co-host Cormac Ó hEadhra, regular Liveline stand-in, Katie Hannon, and Saturday show presenter, Colm O'Mongáin,
Boucher-Hayes is filling in on show for two weeks, and admitted it was a 'daunting' position to fill.
In his first show, after Duffy's retirement, the Countrywide presenter urged Liveline listeners to be 'kind' while the permanent host of the show is being decided.
He said: "This is actually quite daunting, but Philip, just get on with it and get to the calls, because nothing else has changed about this programme. The number is the same, the production team is the same.'
"Hello. Good afternoon. My name is Philip Boucher Hayes. Be kind people,' he added.
Joe Duffy retired at the end of June, after being at the helm of the show for 27 years.
An audience was present in RTÉ Studio 1 for his final Liveline show, including past callers and former colleagues.
In his final sign off, he said: 'Slán go foill. That's all from me from Liveline. Love you all, it's been a privilege. It's been a privilege."
Kildare-born Boucher-Hayes lives in Wicklow with Suzanne and their two daughters. He presents Countrywide on Saturday mornings and the Hot Mess podcast, both on RTÉ Radio One. His television work includes Rising Tides, Hot Air and Future Shock: The Last Drop on RTÉ.
