A prominent Irish comedian is a surprise favorite for the Rose of Tralee role ahead of its summer comeback.
The Toy Show’s most hectic night comes to Co Kerry on August 18-22.
This year’s event will have a female host with Daithi O Se.
Daithi has hosted RTE Today since 2009, succeeding Ray D’Arcy.
Dancing with the Stars hosts Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy follow Deirdre at 6/1 and 7/1, respectively.
Boylesports’ 4/1 pick is comedian Deirdre O’Kane.
Anna Geary is 7/1 after coaching Ireland’s Fittest Family. Kathryn’s chances dropped to 8/1.
BoyleSports spokesperson Lawrence Lyons said, ‘It’s been a busy year for the RTÉ recruiters and with rumblings that a Rose Of Tralee shake-up is next on the cards, Deirdre O’Kane is being selected out from a talented pool of applicants.’
RTE’s third talent hunt of the year follows Patrick Kieltly’s fourth Late Late Show host and Laura Fox’s takeover of Ireland’s Fittest Family.
‘The Rose of Tralee will be considerably different this year,’ an RTE insider stated. Dáithí will return as usual with a co-host.
RTÉ wants to revitalize the long-running event, and adding female energy appears to work.
RTÉ’s Head of Entertainment Commissioning Alan Tyler has brought substantial changes.
