The 2 Johnnies 'gutted' about cancellation of NYE special, as RTE 'working on replacement'

The Tipperary duo were meant to host a live show from Dublin Castle, which would have included music from Picture This and Lyra.

They had also hoped to have fellow Tipp comic Pat Short and Ultimate Hell Week star Ray Goggins as guests.

Organisers pulled the plug on the live show at the castle due to latest government Covid restrictions.

TV bosses had hoped The 2 Johnnies may host an indoor studio at RTÉ’s HQ in Donnybrook but that is not going ahead.

A RTÉ spokesperson told us: “Unfortunately the New Year’s Eve celebrations and concert have been cancelled so the show can’t go ahead as planned.

“RTÉ is working on a replacement show. We look forward to working with the Two Johnnies again soon.”

Asked what the replacement may be, the spokesperson replied: “We don’t have that information yet.”

A spokesperson for The 2 Johnnies said the following: "We are really gutted about the New Year’s Eve show cancellation.

"It would have been the first time we were trusted with presenting on live TV and to do that show with Picture This to such a huge audience would have been amazing.

"Hopefully we’ll see you on the telly in the new year!"

RTÉ producers are now scrambling to see who can host such at show at the last minute, as well as having the headache of trying to find guests.

A huge audience would have been expected this year, similar to last year, given pubs and restaurants have to close up at 8pm on Friday week and most people will be stuck at home.

Last year’s presenters of the New Year Countdown show on RTÉ included Katherine Thomas, Deirdre O’Kane and Nicky Byrne, while music was supplied by Kodaline, Jack L and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Lyra, Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan and Brian Kennedy.

Other channels have lined up their own offerings this year.

Virgin Media One is ringing in the New Year with the Graham Norton Show (which will be screened earlier on BBC1) with including Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage, Jessica Chastain and Claire Foy, with music by Cush Jumbo.

BBC1 will screen ‘Big New Years and New Year’s Eve Party’ with surprise guests

Jools Holland front a Hogmanay special on BBC2, with music from Ed Sheeran and Lulu among others.

TG4 features We Banjo 3 – Live in Dublin, which was shot on location at the Pearse Lyons Distillery, in the heart of the Liberties.