Bookies eye Seoige for 'Late Late' succession

Gráinne Seoige has become the bookmaker's new favourite to be the next host of the Late Late Showif Pat Kenny ever vacates the position.

The Connemara woman, who is to leave Sky News to present a new daytime television show for RTÉ 1, is 5/1 to take up the position, according to Paddy Power bookmakers.

Seoige: Hotly tipped for Late Late greatness

Ms Seoige will join the national station this autumn to host a show produced by an independent company. She has been with Sky News Ireland since its launch back in 2004.

Having her own daytime show immediately is a major coup for the presenter. Traditionally RTÉ broadcasters have to wait many years before getting such an opportunity in prime time.

But already, Paddy Power have also made her the 2/1 red hot favourite to win next year's Favourite Female TV Presenter at the Irish television awards.

The bookmaker also make her 16/1 to become the new and first female host of the Rose of Tralee

"We feel Gráinne must have her eye on something bigger than a daytime show on RTÉ to want to leave Sky News, and with Pat Kenny's viewing figures plummeting who better to sit in the hot seat than the lovely Irish-speaking beauty herself!" said Paddy Power.

Details of her new RTÉ show remain vague, but sources said it would not be news-orientated. It is likely to air at about 5pm and take viewers up until 6pm for the main evening news.