hudson
26th January 2005, 03:44 PM
Touted as one of the highlights of the 2005 schedule, the popular entertainer will front a 10 part series called Class Reunion, featuring former classmates and teachers of pupils who went on to achieve fame in entertainment, politics, business, sport and other fields. The show, which begins in February, will feature Dana, the former Eurovision Song Contest winner who later became a member of the European Parliament and contested the Irish presidency.
An RTE spokesperson said that Byrne had been brought out of retirement because of his “consumate professionalism and his ability to boost the ratings”.
For over half a century Byrne was synonymous with RTE, playing host to the world’s longest running late night chat programme The Late Late Show, while also filling a morning radio slot. In 1999, he officially retired, leaving the Irish state broadcaster with a gap in its star line-up.
Though officially off the payroll, he made frequent appearances on television, fronting nostalgia programmes.
An RTE spokesperson said that Byrne had been brought out of retirement because of his “consumate professionalism and his ability to boost the ratings”.
For over half a century Byrne was synonymous with RTE, playing host to the world’s longest running late night chat programme The Late Late Show, while also filling a morning radio slot. In 1999, he officially retired, leaving the Irish state broadcaster with a gap in its star line-up.
Though officially off the payroll, he made frequent appearances on television, fronting nostalgia programmes.