Ryan Tubridy faces Christmas in isolation as close contact tests positive for Covid

It came as Oliver Callan was forced to stand in for the broadcaster on his Radio One show this morning.

“You weren’t expecting it but neither was I, I can tell you that,” he said.

“It is the last day of school officially on the Tubridy Show and your headmaster or ringmaster Ryan was looking forward to being here to bring you all towards the Crimbo.”

“Only he joins the tens of thousands of unlucky punters out there who have been pinged as close contacts.”

“That means you don’t come to work so I’m here in his stead and it’s very widely common, you may not have Covid but the HSE send you the message.”

“They say ‘Someone who you may or may not know, you are a close contact with that person who has tested positive’,” he continued.

“So Ryan is now a member of that growing, gigantic community who have had their Christmasses upended all of a sudden.”

This is the second time Callan has stepped in as Ryan Tubridy was kept away from his show due to Covid.

In March 2020, the comedian hosted the Ryan Tubridy Show for several days while the broadcaster was out with a "persistent cough".

He later tested positive to Covid.

Confirming his diagnosis, he said: "Like so many other people in Ireland, I tested positive but I was in the very fortunate position to have a very unintrusive experience, which I now have come to the end of.”

"While I've been at home watching television and listening to the radio, I have been bowled over by the extraordinary work of our front line heroes and their families who continue to make Ireland a healthier and safer place.”

He also missed hosting The Late Late Show that week. Miriam O’Callaghan stepped in to cover the programme, making history as the first woman to present the Friday night show.