Irish broadcaster Ryan Tubridy has launched a new podcast about books.
Following his departure from RTÉ last year Tubridy launched a mid-morning show on the UK network Virgin Radio in January.
Last week, he told his listeners that he was "taking a few days off" but teased that there was "big news" coming.
On Thursday, he revealed that the news was the launch of a new podcast: "You’ve guessed it, I’ve got a podcast. And you’ve guessed it, it’s about books.
"It’s called The Bookshelf With Ryan Tubridy – it had to, it’s obvious."
The weekly podcast is in partnership with Eason bookstores and will publish its first episode on Tuesday 16 April.
Tubridy explained the concept for the podcast in an Instagram post: "The guest comes along with three books from their very own bookshelf: The book from their childhood, the book that made them cry, and the book that changed their life.
"And over the course of a conversation, we have a chat about the people and their lives through the prism of these three beautiful, important books."
A video podcast of The Bookshelf With Ryan Tubridy will also be available on YouTube.
Tubridy also said: ""This has been a passion project of mine for a couple of years now but I could never quite find enough time to put it all together.
"Harold Macmillan used to talk about 'events, dear boy, events'. Those times in life when the least expected things happen. Such events happened to me last summer. Despite it being an exceptionally difficult time, it made me reassess and explore new opportunities to realise some dreams I’ve long held in my heart.
"One was to work on the radio in the UK which I am currently doing and loving. The other was to bring The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy to fruition which is where we are today. I always say, you’ll never be lonely or bored with a book in your hand.
"They bring company, enlightenment and enrichment whether you’re reading a comic, a cereal box or a crime novel. The world of reading is rarely dull and lends itself to the most intriguing conversations, of which I’ve had many putting season one together. The first of these conversations drops on Tuesday. I can’t wait to share it with you."
Source: Press Association
