Ryan Tubridy and Claire Byrne among former RTÉ figures set to appear on Celebrity Gogglebox

Former RTÉ presenters Ryan Tubridy and Claire Byrne are set to make appearances on the upcoming season of Celebrity Gogglebox on Virgin Media, marking a notable return for both broadcasters. The show, which captures the reactions and observations of celebrities watching television from their own homes, will air at 9pm on Wednesday, 9 September. Among the guests scheduled to appear are Love Island stars Seán ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald and Lola Deal, as well as Traitors Ireland host Siobhán McSweeney. Other notable participants include The Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson, comedians Kyla Cobbler and Mike Rice, and fellow Derry Girls alum Jamie-Lee O’Donnell. Tubridy, known for his work on RTÉ Radio and his popular Bookshelf podcast, has expressed enthusiasm about his involvement in the show. He revealed that he was approached to take part and accepted due to his fondness for the format. When asked who he would like to join him on the sofa, he suggested the name of Mark Wogan, the son of late presenter Terry Wogan. Tubridy explained that he had grown close to Wogan over recent years and reached out to him, prompting an immediate response. “Don’t say any more, I’ll be there,” Wogan reportedly said. Tubridy confirmed that Wogan will join him in his home for the filming, though he joked that viewers will see “what’s left” of his book collection. Byrne, meanwhile, has shared her expectations for her segment. She noted that while she will be seated on the sofa with her Newstalk colleague Ciara Doherty, the filming will take place at Doherty’s residence rather than her own. Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Byrne expressed some concerns about the extended duration of the session, noting that she tends to go to sleep early. She also humorously mentioned her hope for quality snacks during the recording. “You can’t watch telly without good snacks,” she said. Other participants include former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona, who will be filmed alongside comedian Alison Spittle, and Olympian Ciara Mageean, who will join Dublin GAA legend Michael Darragh Macauley. Today FM’s Ian Dempsey will sit down with Mario Rosenstock, while Brian Dowling, Gourounlian Lottie Ryan, Muireann O’Connell, Katriona O’Sullivan, and Elaine Crowley will also appear on the show. The show promises a mix of humor, insight, and personal anecdotes, with Virgin Media describing the episode as featuring “plenty of surprises, sharp observations and unforgettable exchanges.” The format continues to attract a diverse range of personalities, blending entertainment with candid moments from familiar settings. As the date approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the blend of nostalgia and new experiences that the show offers.