Laois Late Late Show host contender back on RTÉ with new show

Mountrath woman Claire Byrne is returning to TV with new quiz show on RTÉ which she says will see Ireland's cleverest competing to be crowned 'Ireland's Smartest'.

Announcing the new show, which starts in April RTÉ said Claire will put Ireland’s most intelligent quizzers through their paces. They say the producers trawled the length and breadth of Ireland to find contestants with the depth of knowledge worthy of the ultimate accolade… Ireland’s Smartest.

Claire, who is the bookie's favourite to take over from Ryn Tubridy on the Late Late Show, spoke about the new programme.

"Ireland's Smartest has found the cleverest people in this country to compete in a quiz that tests their knowledge and their nerve to the limit. This is a completely new type of show for me, and I was left in awe of these contestants from all over Ireland who can produce correct answers to some really tricky questions under the glare of the lights, in the intensity of the studio, in front of an audience and with the clock ticking all the while.

"It's great fun, with lots of tension and you'll get to test yourself against the best too from the comfort of your own sofa to see who will be awarded the title of Ireland's Smartest!," she said.

RTÉ says this is a show that's not just about knowledge – it’s about holding your nerve as well! It's a delicate balance between speed and strategy. The station says Ireland’s Smartest will bring lots of fun to Irish living rooms on Sunday nights this Spring.

A statement outlined the format. More below pic.

"In front of a studio audience, three contestants compete in each show and as they progress in the tournament structure - from the heats to the semi-Finals to the final - only one of them can be crowned the series champion.

"Ireland’s Smartest starts with a general knowledge round followed by a category round, with a chance of a bonus point each time a contestant buzzes in early with an answer. Answering quickly or waiting to see the options makes for a game that balances speed against strategy.

"The lowest-scoring contestant is eliminated before the final quickfire round, which sees the last two contestants face off in a head-to-head. This round uses a distinctive time-trial that sees the first contestant set a time that the other contestant must beat," it said.

Laois woman now the bookie's favourite to land Late Late Show job in RTÉ

Tune in on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player on Sunday, April 2 at 7:30pm. The series runs for 10 weeks.

The Laois woman hasn't presented on TV since she stepped back from Claire Byrne Live in 2022. She presents Today with Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio 1.

Will Laois woman be the first 'culchie' to host the Late Late Show on RTE?

RTÉ will announce during the summer if Claire or somebody else will take over from Tubridy.